Matching a $1 million pledge already made by All-Star forward Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Thunder Cares Foundation announced on Tuesday a joint donation of $1 million to benefit Oklahoma City-area chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
The money will be directed to relief efforts for those affected by tornadoes on Sunday and Monday.
Thunder chairman Clay Bennett issued a statement on behalf of the Thunder organization: "Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation that has occurred within our community this week. We are focusing Thunder resources to help where we can in the relief efforts and to support the organizations that are on the ground assisting those affected by this week's storms."
The American Red Cross announced Tuesday the gift from The Durant Family Foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give.
"As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see," said Durant, who was in Minneapolis to watch longtime friend Monica Wright play a preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. "I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It's unfortunate. We're going to come together as a city like we always do and we're going to bounce back."
Red Cross regional CEO Janienne Bella said the organization was thankful for Durant's generosity.
The NBA and the players' union also announced a joint $1 million pledge on Tuesday. The money will be going to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and other disaster relief efforts.
The American Legion also announced it was allocating $1 million to veterans affected by the storms.
The Legion has set up a hot line - 1-800-504-4098 - for veterans in the affected area who want to request the emergency assistance.
Those who wish to donate to the Legion's fund can do so online at
tulsaworld.com/legionrelief or by mail: The American Legion NEF, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN, 46206.
ONEOK also on Tuesday announced the ONEOK Foundation will donate up to $1 million for disaster relief efforts.
In addition, Wal-Mart said it is pledging $1 million for recovery efforts. The Bentonville, Ark.,-based company said Tuesday that it will make donations of cash and materials equal to $1 million.
Wal-Mart is also sending truckloads of food, water and other basic items, it said.
Original Print Headline: Durant, Thunder pledge millions in support of relief
