John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats raised $1 million on Sunday during a telethon that will go directly to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The team, in conjunction with local news network WKYT, led the 3-hour-long event where both coaches and players took part in answering calls and raising funds for the cause.
We take you behind the scenes of an incredible afternoon raising money for victims of Hurricane Harvey. pic.twitter.com/SLk5IH6Vd4
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) September 4, 2017
According to a release from Kentucky, 100% of proceeds will go to the Red Cross to aid in the ongoing relief efforts in Texas for those impacted by the devastating hurricane.
"I have not been able to stop thinking about everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey," Calipari said. "Every time I turn on the TV, I'm stunned at the images of devastation in Texas. It hits home for me because of the players we've had come from that area, including Andrew and Aaron Harrison, De'Aaron Fox and now Jarred Vanderbilt. Thankfully their families are safe, but there are a whole lot of people down there who aren't as fortunate."
Several notable players from Calipari's history called in to the telethon to make an appearance and donate, including Karl Anthony-Towns, Eric Bledsoe, Marcus Camby, De'Aaron Fox, John Wall and Julius Randle, among others.
With your help we were able to generate over ONE MILLION dollars.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 3, 2017
NEWS || A special day. The #TeamingUpForTexas telethon raised $1 million and donations are still coming in. #BBN https://t.co/Pa4iu1s5Wk pic.twitter.com/o299Ha53RU
— CoachCal.com (@CoachCalDotCom) September 3, 2017