In the aftermath of this week’s tragic tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, many people across the country have rushed to do whatever they can to help. Donations of money, food, and other supplies have been sent by individuals and organizations in every corner of America.
Midwest City, Oklahoma native Matt Kemp is certainly no exception. The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder pledged via Twitter on Monday, the day of the tornados, that he would donate $1,000 for every home run he hit until the All Star Break (in mid-July) to relief efforts.
I’m giving $1000 for tonight’s HR and every HR until the All-Star break for the victims of my hometown in OKC. #PrayforOklahoma
While the gesture is undeniably generous, there were many who felt that it wasn’t enough. After all, critics argued, Kemp will make $20 million this year. Surely he could afford a little more than the few thousand dollars his initial grand-per-home run pledge would amount to? Well, Kemp apparently took those criticisms to heart. He announced today via the Chris Singleton Foundation that he would also donate $250,000 to relief efforts immediately, while continuing to honor his earlier $1,000 per home run pledge. Check out the announcement below:
Dear Families of OKC,
On Monday, out of concern and emotion I committed $1,000.00 for every home run I hit until the All-Star Break. It was a quick and small gesture in advance of what I knew would be my greater contribution through your rebuilding process. I am keeping my pledge and in addition, donating $250,000.00. May God bless you through this and the many generous donations coming to your aid.” -Matt Kemp #PrayforOklahoma
Kemp has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, who drafted him in 2003. He rose to the majors in 2006 and has remained. In his seven years with the team he has hit 156 home runs. Only two of those home runs have come in the 2013 season.