Michael Jordan Pledges $1 Million for Hurricane Relief in the Bahamas

(TMU) — Chicago legend and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan is reportedly pledging $1 million to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.

The principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets and former professional basketball player who played with the Chicago Bulls for 15 seasons, made the announcement via Twitter on Tuesday through Estee Portnoy, his spokeswoman.

Statement From Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/JIcPGE8y2C

— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) September 10, 2019

Jordan is “devastated to see the destruction” brought to the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian and, according to the statement, will monitor “the situation closely” and “identify non-profit agencies where the funds will have the most impact.”

The billionaire’s “heart goes out to everyone who is suffering and to those who have lost loved ones” in the island country where he owns property and frequently visits.

Rescue teams and government officials continue to attempt to reach those stranded in their homes and areas now cut off from services. The death toll from Hurricane Dorian currently sits at 50 but is expected to climb to as high as 3,000 according to the Bahamas Press.

In September of 2018, the North Carolina native pledged to donate $2 million to relief efforts after Hurricane Florence devastated the Carolinas.

Jordan isn’t the only star pledging their personal wealth to those affected by Dorian.

According to TMZ, Tyler Perry is using his personal seaplane to fly supplies like water, juice, sleeping bags, diapers, hygiene products and other basic necessities to Abaco. The seaplane has even transported those in need if medical attention, children, and at least one pregnant woman back to Nassau where the plane is based.

Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings star and Bahamas native, launched a GoFundMe for Dorian relief efforts. Held donated $100,000 to the campaign himsef with his head coach, Luke Walton, having donated $10,000 to the campaign that has now raised nearly $180,000. According to Held’s statement on the GoFundMe, “all of the money raised will go towards the people who are going to try to rebuild their lives on the devastated Bahamas Islands.”

According to an Instagram post, American rapper Ludacris has raised over $100,000 for Hurricane Dorian relief.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B19L6Nug6ya/

By Emma Fiala | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com