NFL’s Carolina Panthers Give $100K to Charleston Victims’ Families
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 20 (UPI) — The Carolina Panthers professional football team has donated $100,000 to the families of the nine shooting victims from the Charleston church tragedy, a South Carolina lawmaker revealed Saturday.The team’s $100,000 donation was disclosed in a letter it sent Friday to the newly established Mother Emanuel Hope Fund, ESPN reported. The fund was created by the City of Charleston to provide for the needs of the family members of the victims.
Rep. Bakari Sellers, a Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, revealed the letter on Twitter.
“In honor of [the victims], please accept the enclosed check from the Carolina Panthers in the amount of $100,000 to provide $10,000 per family,” the letter read.
Sending the check on behalf of the Panthers, Richardson said the money is intended to “defray funeral costs” and other financial needs of the nine victims’ families. The remaining $10,000 was earmarked for the Emanuel AME Church as a memorial.
“Our hearts are one with those who grieve the loss of these individuals,” the letter concluded.
Rep. Sellers expressed gratitude for the team’s gift in a tweet that included a photo of the letter.
“Jerry Richardson and the Carolina Panthers donated $100k to the victims families. People are so gracious. Warms my [heart],” he wrote. “Just so happy to give a voice and help facilitate. Thank you thank you thank to the Carolina Panthers and owner Jerry Richardson.”
When later asked by a journalist whether he was available to talk to the media about the donation, Rep. Sellers declined.
“Not really,” he tweeted. “Their donation speaks volumes. Just in awe of their compassion.”
“We don’t want to comment on the specifics of the donation, but know our hearts are one with those who grieve the loss of these individuals,” Panthers spokesperson Steven Drummond said in ESPN’s report
When Richardson took ownership of the then-expansion franchise in 1995, he made it clear that the team represented both North and South Carolina — which is why the team uses ‘Carolina’ in its official title.
Thursday, aerospace company Boeing also donated $100,000 to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund.
“Our community is experiencing immense grief and mourning as we all try to come to grips with this horrible tragedy,” Boeing South Carolina Vice President Beverly Wyse said. “Boeing’s commitment to this community is deep and strong, and we share in its grief.”
Additionally, more than $50,000 in text message-enabled donations to the fund have already been made from people around the world.
Further donations can be made by visiting the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund on the City of Charleston’s website.
