More than 1,500 donors have contributed over $400,000 to the West Virginia University Foundation to assist with flood relief efforts in southern West Virginia following a $500,000 challenge match issued by alumnus Ken Kendrick.

“With the start of the fall semester just a few weeks away, we know many students and their families impacted by the flooding will be in need of assistance,” said Greg McCracken, director of the Foundation’s University Fund and co-organizer of the flood relief effort. “We’re very thankful that the donations just keep coming in towards Ken’s challenge match. I believe our alumni and friends know the recovery process is going to take a long time, and want to help out as much as possible.”

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 Financial Aid Office both have funds set up for emergency relief.

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. It is administered through the Financial Aid Office.

Gifts to one or both funds can be made at https://www.mountaineerconnection.com/WVFloodRelief and selecting from the “Designation” drop-down.

Donations also can be mailed to the WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place, 7th floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV, 26507-1650. Make checks payable to WVU Foundation and be sure to include “WV Flood Relief” on the memo line.

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-

bn/8/3/2016

CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org

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