John Calipari, wife Ellen announce donation to Kentucky flood relief fund

Arkansas head coach John Calipari and his wife Ellen are donating to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s flood relief fund, he announced via social media. He cited the need to come together even though he is no longer the head coach at Kentucky.

At least 12 people have died as a result of flooding in Kentucky, and two others in the Ohio River Valley were killed in the storms, according to CNN. Beshear called it, “one of the most significant natural disasters we’ve seen in our lifetime” as more than a month’s worth of rain fell in just 24 hours. The state is starting to emerge from the devastation.

Calipari is in his first season as the head coach at Arkansas, which recently defeated Kentucky at Rupp Arena. However, he made it clear the respect he has for Big Blue Nation and the state of Kentucky, which is why he decided to donate to the cause.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in Eastern Kentucky. Many friends from the area have been sending pictures and sharing the stories. So sad to see the devastation in communities that were already trying to recover from the last natural disaster. My heart breaks for the… https://t.co/hpcewbKhs2 pic.twitter.com/rQQMbYWkzu

— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) February 19, 2025

“Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in Eastern Kentucky,” Calipari wrote. “Many friends from the area have been sending pictures and sharing the stories. So sad to see the devastation in communities that were already trying to recover from the last natural disaster.

“My heart breaks for the 14 people who lost their lives, may they rest in peace. Ellen and I will be making a donation to Governor Beshears [sic] relief fund. We may no longer be residents of Kentucky but know the power of the community and what they can do when they come together. Please join us in donating to the relief fund if you are able.”

Beshear said more than 340 roads closed in the state and at least 10 bridges are “completely gone” in Pike County as a result of the flooding. The latest devastation came just two years after floods ravaged the state.

UK is getting in on the relief efforts, as well. Ahead of Wednesday’s game against Vanderbilt, Wildcats coach Mark Pope said the program is accepting donations for food items for flood victims.

“We’re pretty excited about doing a drive for the game on Wednesday. We’re inviting everybody that comes out to the game to bring any type of donations — non-perishable foods, paper goods, cleaning supplies and bottled water,” Pope said. “We’ll have a massive 18-wheeler on High Street as you walk into the gym and we’re going to get that delivered as quickly as we can. That’s just the first thing — the first of many — we’ll be doing to help our brothers and sisters of Eastern Kentucky.”