Iowa's Kirk Ferentz spreads awareness for Kentucky tornado relief efforts

The outpouring of support for tornado victims throughout the state continues, this time with Kentucky football’s upcoming opponent in the VRBO Citrus Bowl.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz proved life is much bigger than sports Monday evening by spreading awareness to Kentucky’s ongoing tornado relief efforts. In an unbelievably classy move, the program shared a statement in support of the state and asked Hawkeye fans to donate.

“We are preparing to play Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl — but game planning for a bowl is nothing compared to the challenge the victims of this weekend’s severe weather outbreak are facing now and long into the future,” Ferentz said. “I called former Hawkeye Mark Stoops — the Wildcats’ head coach — and asked what the Hawkeyes could do to support those in need. He told me that Kentucky’s athletics department is raising money for victims through a telethon and an online fundraiser.

“Hawk fans are a passionate fan base. Let’s show them how compassionate we can be.”

An important message from Coach Ferentz.

Donation Link ⤵️https://t.co/BpXbS05XHQ#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/EDIybqUVxz

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 14, 2021

Class act by the Iowa football program.

UK has raised over $50,000 through the American Red Cross, with KSR partnering with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation to raise over $110,000 within the first 24 hours, as well.

UK Athletics and LEX18 will host the “Kentucky United for Tornado Relief” telethon on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. ET. The telethon will be broadcast on WLEX from 7-8 p.m. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to benefit victims of the tornadoes that hit Western Kentucky.

Donations can be made by calling 833-510-0030 during the telethon (4 – 8 PM only), visiting online through UK Athletics and/or KSR, or mailing a check to the following address:

American Red Cross

Attn: Kentucky Tornadoes

1450 Newtown Pike

Lexington, KY 40511