Buddy Hield stands for the alma mater before an NCAA college football game between South Dakota and Oklahoma on Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
By RENALDO DORSETT
Tribune Sports Reporter
rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
BUDDY Hield continues to extend the reach of his platform and galvanise support for the victims of Hurricane Dorian.
Hield appeared on ESPN’s flagship show “SportsCenter” to discuss the effects of the catastrophic storm and NBA personalities from across the league have also taken notice and made contributions.
“I’m just trying to raise awareness where people can donate water, food, lumber, healthcare supplies and anything they can to help my Bahamian people. Whatever your desire is to help my country, please do. I know they will appreciate it,” Hield told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.
“Seeing footage for what Hurricane Dorian has done to the islands, it left me heartbroken. The Bahamas is in a really bad place right now. People have gotten sick really bad, and hospitals are being damaged.”
Hield donated $100,000 and established a GoFundMe account which has raised just over $175,000 thus far.
On Thursday, the Kings announced that the Sacramento Kings Foundation, Buddy Hield Foundation, Ranadivé Foundation - the philanthropic arm of Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé - and co-owners of the Kings, the Jacobs family, would be donating $105,000 total to UNICEF USA.
Atlanta Hawks sophomore guard and fellow Oklahoma Sooners alum Trae Young donated $25,000 to the account.
Young played twice in the Bahamas during his prep career with the Nike EYBL Select Team.
Former Kings guard Kevin Martin went on the pledge for $10,000.
“From one Kings shooting guard to another, proud of you for stepping up and starting recovery efforts for the country that lifted you when you needed it to be in the position you are in today.
“Great job and I feel proud as many will follow your lead,” Martin said on the fundraisers’ page.
Kings head coach Luke Walton also pledged $10,000.
“I’m in a position where I can help my country out, no matter what. I have a good heart regardless of if I’m in the NBA or not. My No. 1 goal was always to give back as growing up in the Bahamas,” Hield told the Undefeated.
“That’s something that’s instilled in my heart and something that’s always going to be instilled in my heart.”
More information can be found at buddyhieldfoundation.org and for details on donating goods, email:
buddyhieldfoundation@gmail.com
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