Sept. 7, 2005
Columbia, Mo. -
University of Missouri football fans will have an opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund this Saturday at Mizzou's home opener against New Mexico.
Student-athletes from various Tiger teams have volunteered to take donations in and around Memorial Stadium for the game, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for the contest.
Funds raised at the game will be sent to the Red Cross to benefit victims of the recent hurricane that devastated the city of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
"It is important for Mizzou Athletics to take a leadership role in a situation such as this," said Director of Athletics Mike Alden. "We pride ourselves in being active in the Columbia and mid-Missouri community, and now it is time to focus our efforts on those in such great need in the Gulf Coast area. I know that Missourians take great pride in their caring for others and their giving nature and I'm sure that this venture will be a great success Saturday," he said.
MU Head Coach Gary Pinkel Teams with Former Tiger Demetrious Johnson to Provide Relief Efforts in St. Louis Area
Additionally, Mizzou Head Coach Gary Pinkel is teaming with former Tiger player Demetrious Johnson to assist with relief efforts in the St. Louis area. The Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation and Coach Pinkel have teamed with Central Baptist Church in St. Louis, Mo., as they support victims by donating money and needed items. Fifth Baptist Church in St. Louis, The Gateway Classic Foundation, St. Louis Parks and Recreation, and Floyd Irons, Vashon High School Head Basketball Coach, have all joined in the efforts, as well.
It is estimated that around 2,000 hurricane victims have arrived in the St. Louis area to take refuge, and there will be approximately 100 people staying at Central Baptist Church. Coach Pinkel has pledged $1,000 to the cause, as has Johnson's Foundation. They are asking people in the St. Louis area to give what they can, and following is the information to do so:
DONATION DROP-OFF SITE:
Central Baptist Church
2843 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, Mo. 63101
(314) 533-0747
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
(Please put Katrina Relief on memo line)
Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation
444 McDonnell Blvd.
Hazelwood, Mo. 63042
For more information, please contact the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation at (314) 654-2542, or Central Baptist Church at (314) 535-0747.