ATHLETES RELIEF FUND FOR HAITI
As a sports figure, we know first hand the impact we have on people’s lives. As a human being, we know that we HAVE to respond to help others in time of need. Because of that – we are launching “Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti” to support Project Medishare who is on the ground in Haiti and needs our help. While we can choose to give individually, it would be a tremendous show of support to give collectively. Their is strength in numbers!!
We have taken it upon ourselves to launch this cause – because Haiti is our neighbor, less than 90 miles away from Miami – which has the largest Haitian population in the United States. But this is not about us – its about them. Please join us in donating any amount that you want to give. Let’s all dedicate and sacrifice something to the people who are suffering, grieving and dying in Haiti.
PLEASE DONATE NOW:
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti
c/o Alonzo Mourning Charities
2901 Florida Avenue, #806
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
Funds raised will be directed to Project Medishare:
Project Medishare is dedicated to sharing its human and technical resources with its Haitian partners in the quest to achieve quality healthcare and development services for all. Project Medishare is working closely with Haitian President René Préval to organize all medical teams on the ground and implement a plan to set up field hospitals and triage centers around the capital city of Port au Prince.
Sincerely,
Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade
NEWS UPDATE:
“Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti” Receives More Than $800,000 of Initial Support from Professional Sports Community
Initiative Founded by Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade in Aftermath of Earthquake Elicits Generous and Passionate Response from Athletes
MIAMI – January 18, 2010 – The “Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti,” co-founded by NBA legend Alonzo Mourning and Miami HEAT all-star Dwyane Wade, has received pledges totaling more than $800,000 from the sports community since its unique inception on Friday.
Mourning and Wade launched the initiative with the intent to form a united front within the world of professional sports and to rally collective support to fund immediate relief efforts.
Contributing athletes are: From the NBA, Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Anthony Parker (Cleveland Cavaliers), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kenyon Martin (Denver Nuggets), J.R. Smith (Denver Nuggets), Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Ben Gordon (Detroit Pistons), Mike Dunleavy (Indiana Pacers), Michael Beasley (Miami HEAT), Udonis Haslem (Miami HEAT), Quentin Richardson (Miami HEAT), Devin Harris (New Jersey Nets), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Michael Finley (San Antonio Spurs), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Carlos Boozer (NBA, Utah Jazz), Ronnie Brewer (NBA, Utah Jazz), Caron Butler (Washington Wizards), and Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards).
From the NFL, Terrell Owens (Buffalo Bills), Joshua Cribbs (Cleveland Browns), Donte' Stallworth (Cleveland Browns), Wes Welker (New England Patriots), Randy Moss (New England Patriots), Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles), and Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins).
“The response from our colleagues has been overwhelming,” said Mourning, who personally traveled to Haiti on Friday. “We accept these donations with complete confidence that Project Medishare will put each dollar to quick and efficient use. Having been in Haiti, I have seen their work in action, and will be returning tomorrow morning to continue to assist them with their efforts.”
“I expected nothing less from my friends and colleagues in the sports community,” Wade said. “Our commitment to this cause knows no bounds, and we will continue to accept any and all donations throughout the days ahead.”
Dwyane Wade has personally committed $175,000 to the cause. Alonzo Mourning, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul have each pledged $100,000.
“Since first learning of the tragedy in Haiti, I was intent on finding a way to help,” said James. “I feel fortunate to be in such a position to provide support and my heart and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti.”
“The situation in Haiti is devastating. I wanted to do my part, and contribute to the Athletes Relief Fund so the people of Haiti know we care and support them,” said Durant.
Chris Paul noted $61,000 of his $100,00 donation was in honor of his deceased grandfather, offering a personal story. A high school student at the time, Paul scored 61 points in a game the day after his grandfather’s passing.
Equally moved by the effort, Donte Stallworth turned to his Twitter account, and offered to donate $1 for every follower. To date, he has 34,000 followers.
Funds raised will be directed to Project Medishare, which is actively working to support the Haitian people.
Dr. Barth Green, a co-founder of Project Medishare for Haiti, is emerging as a key player in the current efforts to save injured Haitians. One of the first foreign doctors to arrive in Haiti, Dr. Green is helping to coordinate the international medical relief, and to oversee a new field hospital erected in two tents on vacant land in the northwest corner of Port-au-Prince’s international airport. The makeshift hospital will house a medical staff of 100 and two operating rooms, and is expected to assist more than 300 patients immediately.
Project Medishare is dedicated to sharing its human and technical resources with its Haitian partners in the quest to achieve quality healthcare and development services for all. Project Medishare is working closely with Haitian President René Préval to organize all medical teams on the ground and implement a plan to set up field hospitals and triage centers around the capital city of Port au Prince.
For more information and to contribute please visit www.AMCharities.org.
For more information on Project Medishare, go to www.ProjectMedishare.org.