John Calipari calls for continued support for flood victims after successful fundraiser

Kentucky basketball’s telethon and open practice raised over $3.3 million in donations for the victims of Eastern Kentucky flooding. It was a selfless act by the program that was commended by those in the state and across the nation. However, John Calipari wants to remind everyone that it can’t stop here when it comes to supporting the victims.

Calipari shared his message with a clip from the TODAY Show highlighting his team’s efforts. While the national TV spot continued to raise awareness, he says recovery will take a long time and bystanders can’t forget that aspect of the tragedy.

This also aired today on national television. Thank you @WillieGeist and @TODAYshow for shining a light on our state.

Please know that the recovery from floods and from the tornados will continue and we can’t forget about the people who will still need our help! pic.twitter.com/00P16So9r0

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) August 7, 2022

The floods in Eastern Kentucky took the lives of 37 people in the area. They left countless other survivors with nothing when it comes to the necessities of shelter or electricity. The aftermath may take the region years to officially come back from.

As the leading sports program in the state, John Calipari’s Wildcats went out of their way to help do their part for those in need. It can’t end here, though, as this natural disaster will have serious implications for the state for years to come.

John Calipari reveals Anthony Davis made significant donation to Kentucky Flood Relief

Anthony Davis certainly warmed the heart of John Calipari with a tremendous gesture that will go a long way to helping the citizens of Kentucky.

The former Wildcat star left the state in 2012 for the NBA. However, Davis will never forget how welcoming Kentucky was to him. As the state deals with a devastating flood, the Lakers star reached out to his former coach to help.

This is what makes you proud as a coach.

I didn’t want to ask any of our former guys for help since six months ago they gave to the tornado victims in west Kentucky, but without my asking, @AntDavis23 got in touch with me tonight. pic.twitter.com/DQn3EGEDcM

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) August 3, 2022

“This is what makes you proud as a coach,” began Calipari. “I didn’t want to ask any of our former guys for help since six months ago they gave to the tornado victims in west Kentucky, but without my asking, @AntDavis23 got in touch with me tonight.

“After watching all of the devastation and, knowing what our players did tonight – he has offered to give $350,000 to the Kentucky Flood Relief. That’s servant leadership in action, that’s staying connected to this program and this state. Love you, Ant.”

Overall, that’s no small donation from Anthony Davis to the people of Kentucky. While Anthony Davis is almost a decade removed from calling the state home, the former Wildcats star will never forget how big of a role ‘The Bluegrass State’ played in his journey.