NEW YORK (AP) - The NFL and the players’ union are combining to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to help in the recovery efforts in the Northeast after Hurricane Sandy.
Also, the league and its network broadcasters will run TV pregame and in-game messages to promote donations during this weekend’s games, beginning with Thursday night’s game on NFL Network between Kansas City and San Diego.
Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith announced the donations Thursday.
“This contribution on behalf of all 32 clubs and players throughout the league will help the American Red Cross assist people in need in the affected areas,” Goodell said. “We salute the dedication of those who have been working so hard on the rescue, relief and recovery effort.”
The NBA and its players’ union followed suit with a similar donation to the Red Cross and other organizations, including The Salvation Army, New York Cares and Jersey Cares, that have mobilized to assist the people and communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. And the NBA’s broadcast partners will air messages to encourage fans to support relief efforts by the Red Cross.
“Many homes and lives were devastated by Hurricane Sandy and our thoughts, abiding concerns and hopes are with all those affected,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.
“The immeasurable damage and heartbreaking impact of this latest natural disaster continues to shock all of us,” added NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter.
Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson donated $100,000 to the Red Cross on Thursday, and the Orlando Magic donated $25,000.
New York Road Runners will donate $1 million, or $26.20 for every runner in the 2012 New York City Marathon, which is Sunday.
In creating the Race to Recover Fund, the NYRR will support a number of charities involved in the relief efforts, including the Mayor’s Fund and the American Red Cross.
“New York Road Runners’ thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said Mary Wittenberg, chief executive officer of NYRR. “On Sunday, as runners cross through the five boroughs we want them to bring with them a sense of hope and resilience. The marathon is not just a race, it’s about helping NYC find its way down the road to recovery.”
Jack and Susan Rudin and the Rudin Family Foundations also announced a donation of $1.1 million and race title sponsor ING announced a $500,000 donation.
On Wednesday, the New York Yankees gave $500,000 to relief efforts through the Red Cross.
“The damage and destruction to the tri-state area caused by Hurricane Sandy is daunting, but we have seen the great resiliency of this region before,” Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. “As a neighbor and community member, the Yankees embrace our role of stepping forward and assisting the American Red Cross, which comes to the aid of so many people through their tireless efforts.”
The Seattle Seahawks and the MLS Sounders said Red Cross volunteers will be at CenturyLink Field this weekend collecting cash donations to help in storm relief. The Sounders play Friday night and the Seahawks on Sunday.
Fans attending Friday night’s game in Oklahoma City between the Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers can bid on Thunder autographed items, including a team-signed ball. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross for disaster relief.
Through the A’s fund, Oakland’s baseball team will be accepting monetary donations to help support those affected by Hurricane Sandy along the Eastern seaboard. And the Community Fund will be sending proceeds to the Salvation Army, which is serving those impacted by the storm with mobile feeding units, shelters and clean-up kits.
The A’s Fund will also be sending proceeds to the Humane Society of the United States, which will help animal rescue teams in their relief and rescue efforts, in addition to providing supplies to animal shelters.
After the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March 2011, Hideki Matsui and the A’s raised more than $50,000 to help with relief efforts. Matsui separately donated $620,000.
Taking advantage of the NHL lockout, some former players, current coaches and broadcasters for the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues will play a game Nov. 10 in Franklin, Tenn., to benefit both Hurricane Sandy relief and the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University. They plan to play approximately an hour for a suggested donation of $5.
Former players include J.P. Dumont, Stu Grimson, Dan Keczmer, Darren Pang, Tyson Nash, Bob Plager, and Kelly Chase along with Predators assistant coach Lane Lambert.
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