Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University Department of Athletics will host a “Hoops for Haitian Hope” Night on Thursday, February 4th to contribute to the relief efforts for the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. The women's and men's basketball teams will face Shaw University inside Brayboy Gymnasium with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 pm (women's game) and 7:30 pm (men's game).
Monetary donations will be collected at the entrance of the gymnasium and in rear near the concession stand. All funds collected will go to the American Red Cross organization in support of the relief efforts for the Haitian earthquake victims.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. The quake struck 10 miles from the capital city of Port-au-Prince and has left the city in ruins.
As rescue and assessment teams work to reach people in need, a clearer picture of the situation in Haiti is emerging. Latest estimates put the death toll as high as 200,000 with more than a million people in need of shelter and emergency assistance.
The island continues to experience powerful aftershocks, inciting fear of another big earthquake and hampering on-going aid efforts.
Coaches, athletic administration, JCSU faculty and staff, as well as spectators in attendance are asked to make a contribution. In this time of need, any contribution would be appreciated; “loose change can help make change.” At this time only financial donations are asked for due to the immediacy for resources.
“We are excited about the commitment from our administration, led by President Carter to organize this effort,” said JCSU Director of Athletics and head men's basketball coach
Stephen Joyner, Sr. “We hope to raise some funds to aid the residents of Haiti, especially with this effort fitting in the University's overall mission to provide leadership, service, and lifelong learning to the larger community.”
The University has plans to match the funds raised through donations. A portion of the proceeds from concessions will also be donated to the cause, thanks to the FDY Food Service Company. JCSU President Dr. Ronald L. Carter will make an on-court presentation with a representative from the American Red Cross during halftime of the men's game.
