Sep 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) leaps into the black hole of fans after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
NFL pundits, media moguls, or just good old-fashioned haters can say what they want about the Oakland Raiders popularity, but they can never bash on how much this organization gives back to its community. See, the Raiders are a Bay Area team. The Bay Area is huge, and it encompasses a lot of territory. As a matter of fact, the Raiders community extends throughout all of California. So, when Napa Valley was devastated by an earthquake early on Sunday morning, the Oakland Raiders organization opened up their pocket books and their hearts to lend a helping hand.
Many businesses, schools, homes, and people were damaged or injured by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake. The epicenter of the quake was located in the heart of Napa Valley, and it occurred at around 3:24 AM on Sunday. Immediately following the disaster, the American Red Cross responded to the location to provide assistance to those in need. The Red Cross helped families stay safe and sheltered as aftershocks continued to roll through the region. Their efforts helped to avoid any loss of life following the disaster. Luckily, there were not deaths attributed to the earthquake.
The American Red Cross, Napa Valley Unified School District, and Napa Valley Education Foundation will receive a combined $50,000 from the Oakland Raiders to assist in efforts to recover from Sunday morning’s earthquake. The Raiders just completed their 19th training camp in Napa, utilizing the Napa Valley Marriott and the adjacent Redwood Middle School as the team’s summer base.
The Raiders released the following statement:
"“All of us at the Raiders express our deepest concern for those affected by Sunday’s earthquake. Napa has been our summer home for almost two decades and during that time, we have fostered true friendships and relationships in the city. We’re asking that the Raider Nation offer thoughts and donations to assist in Napa’s recovery.”"
The Red Cross will continue to work with community and government partners to help people return home safely and recover. Support from community partners like the Oakland Raiders and National Football League ensure the Red Cross will be there to assist following a disaster.
"“We are so appreciative of the Raiders for their support of our work to help the Napa community recover from this major earthquake and their longstanding partnership and presence in Napa County,” said Tim Miller, Regional CEO, American Red Cross California Northwest Region."
Napa schools were forced to close early this week as a result of Sunday’s earthquake while structural assessment and cleanup were taking place. Patrick Sweeney, Superintendent of Napa Valley Unified School District, states,
"“Our schools and teachers are working hard to clean up and prepare for students when our doors reopen tomorrow. Redwood Middle School, the home of Raiders training camp, and many other schools in our district have lost classroom supplies and materials. We are working with the Napa Valley Education Foundation to use contributions to replenish our supplies and get back to the business of educating our students as quickly as possible.”"
Jennifer Stewart, Executive Director of the Napa Valley Education Foundation, states,
"“I grew up in Napa. I attended Browns Valley Elementary, Redwood Middle and Napa High School. After the Loma Prieta quake, I remember going back to school worried and uncertain. Our teachers and our district responded then, and are responding now, as a community of support and strength. Their classrooms may be in disarray but their spirits are strong. I am proud to be a part of this community as we come together to recover. We need support to get our classrooms back to what they were. There is an immediate need to replace materials, supplies, and equipment that were damaged during the earthquake. Donations accepted through the NVEF will be used to outfit our classrooms and rebuilt a sense of security for our students.”"
Join the Oakland Raiders in the commitment to provide help and hope to those who need it most by donating today to the Red Cross at: http://www.redcross.org/cm/oaklandraiders-pub
Donations can also be given directly to the Napa Valley Education Foundation on the home page at: www.nvef.org, click on “Donate Now.”
Fans attending the Seahawks vs. Raiders game on Thursday, August 28th, will be encouraged to text to donate. Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to those affected by the Napa County earthquake.