LOOK: John Calipari visits Western Kentuckians impacted by tornadoes
Whether he was supposed to let it slip or not, John Calipari told us on Saturday that he and several prominent Kentucky figures would visit the western portion of the state on Sunday. And as promised, the Men’s Basketball head coach came through.
Calipari, along with the likes of UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart, former players Darius Miller and Jack “Goose” Givens, and Governor Andy Beshear, among plenty others, traveled down to Western Kentucky on Sunday morning to deliver shoes to those impacted by last weekend’s devastating tornadoes. 5,000 pairs of shoes have already arrived with another 5,000 on the way.
Western Kentucky took a bulk of the beating from record-breaking storms that passed through the area last Friday night into Saturday morning. The destruction caused by the tornadoes sent shockwaves across the state and even the country. UK Athletics raised over $3 million last week in relief efforts. The KSR Tornado Relief Fund has raised an additional $700,000-plus.
Calipari took to social media to describe his experience and what he saw.
@UKMitchBarnhart, @goosegivens, @DmillerKY, @MannyOhonme from @Samaritans_Feet and I joined @GovAndyBeshear and @LtGovColeman in Western Kentucky this morning to help distribute shoes to those who were affected by the tornadoes last weekend.
We went to Lake Barkley and Pennyrile @KYStateParks with 5,000 pairs of shoes on site and another 5,000 on the way.
I want to thank @MannyOhonme and @Samaritans_Feet for doing what he does so well and the state for helping organize.
The damage in the area is obvious and devastating, but buildings can be rebuilt. Our focus right now is on the people in that area and the enormous toll this has taken on them. How can we lift spirits and let people know we care for them and are there for them.
While we were there, I had a chance to meet Cullan Brown’s family and the mayor of Mayfield.
I also learned today we may have one of the best park systems in the country. Two great places where the state is currently housing and taking care of victims. Well done, @KYStateParks!
John Calipari via Twitter: @UKCoachCalipari
Bravo, Coach Cal. You’re making Kentucky proud.
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