The Astros yesterday announced that Owner Jim Crane, the ownership group and the Astros Foundation will donate $4M to "relief efforts aiding the victims" of Hurricane Harvey, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Beginning today, staff at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, the Spring Training home of the Astros, will be "accepting donations for the hurricane victims." Crane Worldwide will "provide the transportation of the collected items from Florida to Houston." MLB and the MLBPA announced that the parties will "jointly donate" $1M to "various relief efforts for the damage throughout the state of Texas created by Hurricane Harvey, including to the American Red Cross." The Astros will raise dollars for the victims by "committing the proceeds from the Share2Care 50/50 raffle for the remainder of the season to the American Red Cross, Houston relief efforts targeting hurricane victims" (MLB.com, 8/29). The Rockets announced that Owner Leslie Alexander will donate $4M to the "Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund." Meanwhile, in Houston, Jonathan Feigen notes Toyota Center has been "undamaged with arena operations and security crews taking shifts on site if any issues arise." A team spokesperson said that Rockets players and staff "are safe" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/29). In Boston, Stephen Hewitt notes Patriots Owner Robert Kraft "offered to match all funds donated" to the American Red Cross in support of the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund up to $1M (BOSTON HERALD, 8/29). Cowboys Exec VP & Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson said that the team will "organize a telethon to raise money for Harvey victims" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/29).
PLAYERS DOING THEIR PART: In Houston, Aaron Wilson notes Texans DE J.J. Watt's fundraising efforts to assist flooding victims have "surpassed his goal" of $1M. Now, Watt is "aiming to raise" $1.5M. He has "contributed $100,000 of his own money and received a $50,000 donation" from Rockets G Chris Paul (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/29). In DC, Candace Buckner notes Wizards Gs John Wall and Bradley Beal "reached out to teammates through a group text message, leading the effort to raise money." By yesterday, the donations had "reached $250,000 with more dollars expected." Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis, President Ernie Grunfeld and coach Scott Brooks also have "personally donated money to the American Red Cross." The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation also has "contributed to the players’ amount" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/29). Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter, who is from the Houston area, in a tweet said that he will "donate $10,000 to relief efforts for each home run he hits for the rest of the season" (ESPN.com, 8 /28).
