When Hurricane Harvey ripped through south Texas, Denver Broncos’ wide receiver and Houston native Emmanuel Sanders launched into action.
At the team’s annual Kickoff Luncheon on Aug. 30, Sanders led his teammates’ donation efforts for flooding relief. Broncos players kicked in a total of $87,000, which was then matched by the team itself.
“We could not be more proud of Emmanuel Sanders and his teammates for stepping up and taking the initiative to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey,” Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement released on Wednesday. “The Broncos are pleased to match the money raised by our players and donate to very important Houston-based organizations in the Boys & Girls Clubs and the United Way.”
The Broncos made two donations, with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston and the United Way of Greater Houston each receiving $43,750.
Five of the 14 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston have extended their hours so families affected by Hurricane Harvey have a safe place to go as they recover from severe flooding that has caused roughly $160 billion in damages.
“By opening our doors to youth and teens who need us most right now, we are giving parents and families the time they need to begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Kevin R. Hattery said. “Our goal is that Houston’s children can find joy, safety and fun at our Clubs during this time of tragedy. Because of this generous donation from the Denver Broncos organization, we can ensure our community’s children are adequately cared for at this time by extending our open hours throughout the week and on weekends.”
According to the Broncos, Sanders was a member of the Boys & Girls Club in Houston and continues to donate his time to the organization’s Denver branch.
“He [Emmanuel Sanders] has said that the Boys & Girls Club experience (every day after school, summer, and sports) is what inspired him to start his own foundation, the Emmanuel Sanders Foundation, providing children from financially disadvantaged families with resources and support to reach their full potential and attain a better life,” the Broncos said.
Who can’t root for that “play call?”
