Kentucky’s basketball team, in conjunction with television station WKYT, raised more than $1 million for Hurricane Harvey relief during a three-hour telethon on Sunday.
Players and coaches answered calls during the telethon, and a number of famous former players -- including John Wall, Karl-Anthony Towns and De’Aaron Fox, among others -- called in to help the cause.
“I have not been able to stop thinking about everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey,” Calipari said. “Every time I turn on the TV, I’m stunned at the images of devastation in Texas. It hits home for me because of the players we’ve had come from that area, including Andrew and Aaron Harrison, De’Aaron Fox and now Jarred Vanderbilt. Thankfully their families are safe, but there are a whole lot of people down there who aren’t as fortunate.”
According to a release from Kentucky, 100% of the proceeds will be sent to the Red Cross.
Kentucky and Calipari have a great track record when it comes to raising money in the aftermath of a disaster. They raised more than $1 million after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and helped raise more than $500,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief.
We take you behind the scenes of an incredible afternoon raising money for victims of Hurricane Harvey. pic.twitter.com/SLk5IH6Vd4
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) September 4, 2017