Athletes step up in big way amid year of disasters
Hurricanes, fires spur many to raise millions; others assist social causes.
J.J. Watt had a modest goal when he launched a fundraiser to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston.
The Texans’ three-time Defensive Player of the Year said he hoped to raise $200,000 in a video he posted on Twitter after a preseason game Aug. 26. It took less than two hours to reach that number.
Donations poured in from all over the world, with several professional athletes chipping in. Tom Brady gave $100,000, Chris Paul pitched in $50,000 and more than 200,000 people, including Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres and Drake, contributed more than $37 million to Watt’s campaign.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and donations from across the country and around the world,” Watt said to those who helped him raise funds for Harvey relief.
The funds raised by Watt are being used to rebuild
homes, restore child care centers, provide food and address health needs of those affected most by the hurricane.
Watt was only one of many athletes who heeded the call when disasters struck in 2017.
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico shortly after Harvey’s destruction in Houston, several players stepped up.
Carlos Beltran, who retired after winning the World Series with the Houston Astros, started a fundraiser to help victims by donating $1 million. Several other major leaguers, including Yadier Molina and Enrique Hernandez, also joined in with their own campaigns.
Members of the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors jumped in to help after wildfires scorched the West Coast in October. Klay Thompson donated $75,000 to fire relief efforts by giving $1,000 for each point he scored during a three-game stretch. The Oakland Raid- ers organization gave $1 million, and the Raiders, Warriors and 49ers combined on a donation of $450,000.
“I think it shows Klay’s commitment to the community and his awareness,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I think all of our guys do such a good job of really being aware of helping other people around them.”
Other athletes showed generosity in various ways. Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Carson Wentz and ex-teammate Jordan Matthews went to Haiti on a mission trip in May. Wentz later announced he was helping build a sports complex in that country.
Texas Rangers ace pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi, donated their Missouri mansion estimated at $10 million and 100 acres of land to a charity that provides camps for children with special needs and chronic illnesses and their siblings.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick also dipped into his own pocket to give. Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem last season to protest racial inequality and police brutality but now remains unsigned, donated $600,000 of his Million Dollar Pledge during 2017.