West Virginia University alumnus Ken Kendrick, a native of Princeton, W.Va., says he’ll make a $500,000 donation to flood relief efforts in southern West Virginia to match gifts by fellow alums and donors made to the WVU Foundation up to that amount.

On Wednesday (June 29), the University sent an e-mail to all alumni asking them to contribute to flood relief efforts, and Kendrick responded with the challenge match.

“My heart goes out to the people impacted by this disaster. Many of them live just outside the back door where I grew up. It’s very sad,” Kendrick said. “Even when you are far away, you never really leave West Virginia, and I want to help out where I can. I challenge all Mountaineers to do the same.”

On June 23, torrential rains over parts of West Virginia caused devastating flooding in many counties, resulting in loss of life and severe damage to entire communities. Many WVU students and their families were impacted by the storms and high water, leaving some homeless and others with extensive personal property loss.

The WVU Extension Service and WVU Office of Student Life are asking for your help as they coordinate efforts to assist these students.

WVU Extension, the University’s lead outreach agency, is seeking donations for its relief efforts as it continue providing assistance to residents in those areas impacted by the flooding.
• In 2013, the Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Emergency Fund was created through the WVU Foundation to assist current students who experience a sudden financial hardship, including natural disasters such as flooding.

Gifts to one or both funds can be made at https://www.mountaineerconnection.com/WVFloodRelief and selecting from the Designation drop-down to support the fund of your choice.

Kendrick of Paradise Valley, Ariz. is managing general partner of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. He graduated from WVU in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Kendrick is a member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors and WVU’s Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

-WVU-

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