Family of Bills’ Damar Hamlin amazed by outpouring of donations to his charitable effort
When Bills safety Damar Hamlin set up a GoFundMe page in 2020 to raise money for a toy drive in McKees Rock Pennsylvania, he set a modest goal of $2,500.
It has now raised more than 2,500 times that original amount. People have donated money this week following Hamlin’s medical emergency in Monday night’s Bills-Bengals game in Cincinnati.
NFL players, fans, teams and others have shown their support for Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the game, by giving to the GoFundMe.
As of Wednesday morning, more than $6.3 million has been raised.
Hamlin’s family expressed its gratitude in an update posted on the GoFundMe page.
“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation,” the update says.
“However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
“If you would like to show your support and contribute to Damar’s community initiatives and his current fight, this is the place to do so. This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family.
“Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and generous support during this time.”
More than 207,000 donations have been made, and here are some of the notable ones.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave $18,003, which an NFL reporter noted has special significance.
Robert Kraft and the Patriots add $18,003.
Within the Jewish faith, 18 is “chai” and signifies life. The “3” is Damar Hamlin’s number.
Beautiful gesture. https://t.co/drdrCaCiC6 pic.twitter.com/UOJPwTphRO— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 4, 2023
Other to give: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford donated ($12,000 donation), Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara ($10,000), the Houston Texans ($10,000), Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady ($10,000), Raiders receiver Davante Adams and his wife Devanne ($5,000), Steelers safety Michael Wagner ($5,000), the Washington Commanders ($5,000) and Saints quarterback Andy Dalton ($5,000).
More came from Raiders coach Josh McDaniels ($2,500), Fox Sports’ Shannon Sharpe ($2,500), Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and his wife, Laura ($2,500), former NFL player/broadcaster Paul Maguire ($2,500), Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps ($2,000) and Falcons receiver Drake London ($2,000).
ESPN’s Adam Schefter donated $1,003, a number of fantasy football leagues gave money, too, and then there was this sweet $5 donation from a young Chiefs fan.
