Matt Kemp $250,000 Donation to Tornado Victims Follows in Kevin Durant's Footsteps
Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp was greatly affected by the recent tornado disaster and has vowed to donate $250,000 to the relief fund.
A native of Midwest City, Oklahoma, he took to his Twiiter on Monday to say he would be donating to the victims.
"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," he posted on the microblogging site.
Some felt this was not a generous enough amount of money for someone making $20 million this year. Kemp apparently took it to heart and added that in addition to his donations for homeruns, he will be adding in $250,000 as well, reported WebProNews.
The announcement was made via the Chris Singleton Foundation.
"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."
Shortly after his statement he tweeted an additional message for his hometown.
"@TheRealMattKemp My love, support & connection 2 my hometown runs deep. Pls continue 2 pray & help OKC in any way that u can. Together we will #RebuildOKC."
Just yesterday Oklahoma City Thunder basketball star Kevin Durant pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross to go towards the tornado relief in a selfless act that many feel set the precedent for athletes and stars to donate.
Durant donated without making a fuss, and it was the Red Cross that outed him as the gracious donor.
This is not Kemp's first act of generosity this season. Two weeks ago he gave a young fan battling cancer a ball, his cleats, hat, and the shirt off his back as a token of hope for the fan who only has months to live. Unaware someone was filming, the video went viral.