The Generosity You Don’t Hear

The devastation of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area is nothing short of overwhelming. Like many of us, I’ve spent the last few days watching news reports and feeling at a loss by what I saw. The images are heartbreaking and catastrophic. In the wake of this disaster, citizens from all over the world have come to the aid of people of Haiti. The American military has called out the Marines, churches have flown in mission workers, and I am here wondering what I can do to be of service.

Hilary Clinton suggested American citizens donate $10 via cell phone text message. But, because I still don’t like the idea of sending text messages to those strange numbers advertised on TV, I decided to donate my $10 to the Red Cross via their website (much more reputable in my opinion). After I did, I felt a little better and hoped that my money would make some small difference.

Like me, professional athletes have decided to donate funds to help the Haitian cause in a time of deep need. Unlike me, professional athletes have much deeper pockets. The New York Yankees, while sometimes known as “The Evil Empire,” generously donated $500,000 to the relief effort. What’s more, Major League Baseball contributed $1,000,000 on behalf of all of its teams. Philidelphia 76er Samuel Dalembert, who has family residing in Haiti, wrote a $100,000 check and plans to match fan donations at the next game against Sacramento. The Livestrong Foundation, brainchild of cyclist Lance Armstrong, will supply $250,000 in aid to Doctors Without Borders.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, Pierre Garcon, is still missing family members in the tragedy. With electricity, telephone connections, and internet connectivity still sketchy, Garcon has been unable to reach all of his relatives living in the area. All the while, Garcon is expected to be at his best for the AFC divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. Via his Twitter account, Garcon is offering signed gear as a thank you to fans for their donations to relief organizations and the Haitian people. In addition, the Colts organization will donate $10,000 to the Red Cross.

Because the United States has such close relations with the Caribbean nation, many in our community of friends and neighbors have been deeply impacted by the natural disaster in Haiti. It’s no surprise, then, to see this heartbreak, confusion, and ultimately, generosity mirrored in our community of professional athletes. Plagued by bad sports news lately (Gilbert Arenas toting guns into crowded stadiums & Mark McGwire’s steroid admissions) its nice to see athletes and organizations acting as role models and putting their money where their mouths are.