The Portland Trail Blazers announced Thursday that the organization, owner Paul Allen and fans of the team combined to raise more than $30,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief.
In an incredible display of community support, Trail Blazers fans attending Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Wells Fargo combined to raise just over $30,500 to assist in Hurricane Sandy relief.
Last week, Hurricane Sandy devastated the east coast in one of the largest and fiercest storms to hit our nation. Funds are urgently needed to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems essential medical supplies and additional services to aid in relief efforts.
Oregon Red Cross volunteers collected just over $10,500 in donations from Trail Blazers fans as they entered the arena Thursday evening. The Paul G. Allen Foundation and Wells Fargo each pledged to match the donation up to $10,000, bringing the total donation to $30,500.
During halftime of Thursday's game, Trail Blazers Vice President of Community Relations Traci Rose, representing the Paul G. Allen Foundation, joined Don Pearson and Cobi Jackson from Wells Fargo to present two $10,000 checks to Maree Wacker, the executive director of the Red Cross Oregon Chapter. Season ticket holders Pedro and Victoria Garcia, representing the fans, presented the $10,500 check.
More than 70 Oregonians have been deployed to New York, New Jersey and other communities on the east coast to help with disaster relief. Anyone interested in providing support can visit any Wells Fargo ATM in Oregon or Washington to make a donation.
The Blazers join a number of organizations, including the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic to pledge money to relief efforts. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association also combined to donate $1 million.
Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Northeast in October, causing billions of dollars in damage and more than 100 deaths.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter