South Florida

South Florida's Sports Teams Pledge Millions to Hurricane Irma Relief

Heat, Dolphins, Panthers do their part to help Irma victims

South Florida's major sports teams are giving aid and pledging millions to help the victims of Hurricane Irma.

On Thursday, the Miami Heat announced that team owner Mickey Arison's family foundation and his Carnival Cruise Line would donate up to $10 million for Irma relief.

"Hurricane Irma has devastated many families and cities that mean so much to us,” said Pat Riley, President of the Heat. "As a long-time resident of South Florida, I have witnessed the resiliency of our communities; watching neighbors come together to overcome adversity. The South Florida community has supported our organization throughout the years, so it is only fitting that we are there to support and help uplift this community in its time of need."

The Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation will make an immediate donation of $2.5 million to Direct Relief, UNICEF and the United Way of Miami-Dade County to support the most timely and urgent relief needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Carnival Foundation - the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation - and the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund are each pledging to raise a combined $5 million in funding for relief and recovery efforts. Arison and his wife will match that commitment up to a total of $5 million from their Family Foundation, including the organization’s initial donation.

The Heat are also teaming up with the Golden State Warriors for more Irma relief. The Heat will help move about 150 dogs and cats from Miami-area shelters that have been overflowing since the storm to Oakland on Friday. A FedEx plane with $11 million in relief items for Irma victims arrives Friday in Miami.

Once the plane's medical supplies, hygiene kits and relief supplies are unloaded, the pets will board and depart for the Oakland-area shelters. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and captain Udonis Haslem will help load the plane in Miami. Warriors players Zaza Pachulia and Jordan Bell, along with assistant coach Willie Green, are going to meet the plane in Oakland.

Earlier this week, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced that he will pledge $1 million to immediate and long-term rebuilding efforts after Irma.

"The devastation throughout Florida was heartbreaking, but I was inspired by the resilience and spirit of our state to help rebuild," Ross said in a statement. "Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by Hurricane Irma and we are committed to helping in long term recovery efforts."

The Florida Panthers have teamed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association to donate $2.7 million to Irma relief.

The Panthers are also holding a supplies collection to help Floridians affected by Irma. Stop by BB&T Center or Panthers IceDen from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday through Sunday. Drop off any unused supplies, including bottled water, batteries, gas cans, coolers, flash lights and canned food.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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