A $500,000 challenge match from West Virginia University alumnus Ken Kendrick has helped bring in more than $300,000 in gifts so far for flood relief efforts in southern West Virginia. The Princeton, W.Va., native said June 29 that he would match contributions to the WVU Foundation dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000.

“What we’ve seen since Ken’s announcement has been a steady stream of donations from generous alumni and friends all over the country who want to help,” said Greg McCracken, director of the Foundation’s University Fund, who is helping coordinate the effort. “More than 1,200 generous donors have stepped up, and the gifts keep coming in.”

On June 23, torrential rains over parts of West Virginia caused devastating flooding in many counties, resulting in loss of life and severe damage to entire communities. Many WVU students and their families were affected by the storms and high water, leaving some homeless and others with extensive personal property loss.

The WVU Extension Service and WVU Office of Student Life both have funds set up for emergency relief.

• WVU Extension, the University’s lead outreach agency, is seeking donations for its relief efforts as it continue providing assistance to residents in those areas impacted by the flooding.
• In 2013, the Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Emergency Fund was created through the WVU Foundation to assist current students who experience a sudden financial hardship, including natural disasters such as flooding. It is administered through the Office of Student Life.

Gifts to one or both funds can be made at https://www.mountaineerconnection.com/WVFloodRelief and selecting from the Designation drop-down.

Donations also can be mailed to the WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place, 7th floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV, 26507-1650. Make checks payable to WVU Foundation and be sure to include “WV Flood Relief” on the memo line.

“We’re working very hard with the WVU units providing the emergency relief to identify students and families in need, and get these contributions into the hands of those impacted,” McCracken said. “We thank everyone who has made a donation, and urge those who have not to consider making a gift.”

Kendrick, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., is managing general partner of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. He graduated from WVU in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Kendrick is a member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors and WVU’s Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

-WVU-

bn/7/19/2016

CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org

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