Reed Sheppard presents $10,000 check for flood relief in EKY

It wasn’t just current Kentucky players raising money for flood relief in Eastern Kentucky this weekend. In the hours leading up to the team’s Blue-White Game held in Pikeville, future Wildcat Reed Sheppard hosted his own youth basketball camp to do the same.

The Reed Sheppard Impact Camp brought over 50 local kids to Millard Grade School in Pikeville for a hands-on experience with the in-state standout, highlighted by individual drills and skill competitions. As part of the event, Sheppard presented a $10,000 donation to SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Student Support Fund set to support students and their families affected by recent flooding in the area.

The donation was made in partnership with Delta Dental, Bob and Carol Griffin, Midwest Basketball Club and the Players First Charity Auction.

The Reed Sheppard Impact Camp was a success. pic.twitter.com/RrwNKfpumH

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 22, 2022

“It means a lot, being able to do this and give back to the community and be able to come out and hang out with the kids,” Sheppard told KSR. “I looked up to a lot of high school players, especially ones that were going and playing at Kentucky, being a Kentucky fan. … It’s really special to be able to come out here and be with these kids.”

A London, KY native himself, the flooding in Eastern Kentucky hits close to home for the future Wildcat. He wasn’t personally affected, but he knows people who were and continue to deal with the challenges that come with a natural disaster of this magnitude.

Sheppard has already helped with on-site clean-up efforts. Now, he wanted to use his platform to help contribute financially as much as possible while also giving local kids an outlet for fun with the camp.

“I know a lot of the people from the community that got hit hard with the flooding,” Sheppard added. “We’ve been up there a couple of times trying to help with the rebuild and take out as much as we could just to help, but to do this and take the donations to the flood relief, it means a lot. I know people there and I know what they’re going through, and I couldn’t imagine going through it.”

SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) is a regional non-profit that advocates for 54 ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) counties in Eastern Kentucky. “The voice of Appalachia Kentucky,” the organization considers itself, fights to help the area economically “for the good of all.”

Sheppard’s philanthropic efforts go hand-in-hand with the Kentucky men’s basketball program, who raised an incredible $162,450 for flood relief through ticket sales from the Blue-White Game in Pikeville. That comes after the program previously raised over $2 million for flood relief with an open practice and telethon at Rupp Arena back in August.

“We will never forget about you,” head coach John Calipari told fans in attendance. “This program will always be here to lift the Commonwealth. This is your program.”

“We are here tonight to make sure you know that you are not alone,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear added. “In Kentucky, we love our Wildcats. And tonight, these Cats showed that they love you, too.”

Kentucky raises $162,450 for flood relief in Eastern KY with the Blue-White Game in Pikeville

Ticket proceeds went to charity. Very impressive. pic.twitter.com/Kb5WOquqUx

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 23, 2022

The Wildcats spent the first part of the day giving back to the people of Eastern Kentucky by distributing hoodies, sweatshirts and other winter clothes to those in need at Jenny Wiley State Park in Floyd County.

“We tried to keep them out there staying warm,” guard Antonio Reeves said. “We gave them jackets, sweaters, coats, and things like that to make sure they stay warm for the winter. You know, it has been a good thing for the community and good for the team as well.”

“It was a great experience overall. Me growing up, my parents were all about giving back,” guard Adou Thiero added. “Being able to come here and give back also was a great feeling. … After seeing how much BBN cares for us, it was very important for us to come out and do this for Kentucky in general. It’s all about giving back. We’re blessed to be in the position we’re in and we can’t just be focused on ourselves, we have to give back to those less fortunate.”

A successful weekend in Pikeville for both current and future Wildcats.