Tigers Assist in Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort - AuburnTigers.com

Tigers Assist in Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort The gymnastics team helped raise $26,513 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Sept. 22, 2005

AUBURN, Ala. -- In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the Auburn gymnastics team volunteered its services on Sept. 10 in an effort to collect disaster relief funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Tigers assisted in the relief effort by collecting monetary donations for the hurricane victims from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. outside Jordan-Hare Stadium prior to Auburn's football game with Mississippi State. The effort raised $26,513 in donations for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide, food, shelter and other assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Our team takes great pride in helping out each week somewhere in Auburn, and the great job the girls did helping the local American Red Cross chapter collect Hurricane Katrina donations was just another example," head coach Jeff Thompson said. "We all know someone who was touched by the devastation of this storm and it is our hope that, in some small way, our team's efforts will reach them and help them get back on their feet very soon."

The gymnasts' commitment to help in the relief effort is just the latest community service act provided by the gymnastics program in its continued effort to give back to the community.

"Everyone on our team understands just how lucky they are in each of their lives and the importance of giving back to the community every chance they have," said Thompson.

In a continued effort to assist with the relief effort, the Auburn Athletics Department will be accepting donations at the Western Kentucky football game on Sept. 24. The donations will go toward the Emergency Fund for Auburn Students, which will aid AU students affected by Hurricane Katrina.