UK basketball players raising funds for flood relief with memorabilia for fans
Tuesday evening’s “Kentucky Flood Relief Telethon” will mark the latest instance of the Kentucky men’s basketball program spearheading an effort to raise money for people in the commonwealth affected by a natural disaster.
And earlier Tuesday, UK head coach John Calipari revealed that UK fans will have a chance to both donate money toward flood relief efforts in eastern Kentucky and receive some prized pieces of Kentucky men’s basketball memorabilia.
During Tuesday’s telethon, basketballs autographed by the entire UK men’s team will be given to the first 100 donors who give $1,000.
Calipari tweeted on Tuesday that he and his wife Ellen will be making matching donations for the money raised from the signed basketballs.
Additionally, a Kentucky “One Team Relief” T-shirt is also on sale for fans to purchase.
Calipari said 100% of net proceeds ($18 per shirt) from T-shirt sales will go to the American Red Cross.
The shirt is being sold for $25 and features caricatures of members of the UK men’s basketball team and also the phrase “Kentucky is One Team” across the top.
“They knew we were going to do something. They came to me before I came to them. That’s why I feel so good,” Calipari told reporters Monday about UK players leading the fundraising effort for eastern Kentucky flood relief.
“You want to know, ‘Am I getting through, when I talk kind hearts? That it takes you five seconds to make somebody’s month. Don’t walk away. Sign. Spend time. Ask them where they’re from. You’ve been blessed to be in this position, to wear this uniform, to be a part of this.’ So, that made it different.”
I am so proud of this team. They are using their NIL to raise money for eastern KY.
We will give balls signed by the whole team tonight to the first 100 donors of $1,000.
This shirt is also for sale right now & 100% of net proceeds go to the Red Cross: https://t.co/1ti4NsSULv— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) August 2, 2022
The “Kentucky Flood Relief Telethon” telethon will take place from 5-8 p.m. and will be broadcast on WLEX-18, and will also feature a UK men’s basketball team open practice inside Rupp Arena.
The open practice is free to attend, but donations for Kentucky Flood Relief will be accepted upon entry.
Seating inside Rupp Arena will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors to Rupp Arena open at 5 p.m. and the open practice will begin at about 6:30 p.m.
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