Damar Hamlin’s charity GoFundMe page bringing in millions since collapse; here are the top donors
The sports world is holding its breath as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to fight for his life after suffering cardiac arrest during Monday’s football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
RELATED COVERAGE >> Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in critical condition after cardiac arrest, team says
“I saw it on my TV, everyone standing there praying, you know, the first thing you look for is move your hands and feet and he really wasn’t at that time,” said Terry Totten, the recently-retired football coach at Central Catholic High School, who coached Hamlin and was watching Monday’s game.
RELATED >> Damar Hamlin had to be resuscitated twice after collapsing on the field, uncle says
Even after he was drafted by the Bills, the McKees Rocks native never forgot his roots, coming back for youth football camps, mentoring kids who look up to him.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> McKees Rocks community collects cards, pictures for Damar Hamlin
Hamlin created The Chasing M’s Foundation to support his community, its first event being the 2020 Community Toy Drive.
RELATED >> Pittsburgh shows support for McKees Rocks native, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin
With an original goal of $2,500 on GoFundMe, Hamlin said at the time of the page’s creation that “this campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.”
RELATED >> Community reacts after former Central Catholic, Pitt player Damar Hamlin collapses during Bills game
Since Hamlin’s collapse, the fundraiser has reached over $7 million raised, with an updated description stating:
“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
As representatives of Damar, the team at Jaster Athletes posted the fundraiser updates and will work with the Hamlin family, The Chasing M’s Foundation, and the GoFundMe team to ensure the safe delivery of funds.
Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more. We’re hopeful about Damar’s future involvement in disbursing the incredibly generous contributions.
This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family. We appreciate your understanding as we give them the time and space they need to focus on Damar’s health first.
Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this time.”
Here is a list of some of the top donations to the fundraiser at this time, including donations from prominent names in the sports world:
Jim Irsay & Indianapolis Colts
$25,003
Sheets Laundry Club
$25,003
Jason Hanold (Hanold Associates CEO)
$20,000
Robert Kraft and The New England Patriots
$18,000
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams quarterback)
$12,000
New Era Cap Foundation
$10,003
Houston Texans
$10,003
Russell & Ciara Wilson (Denver Broncos quarterback, pop singer)
$10,000
Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback)
$10,000
Prayers from Carpet Man Flooring (Jacksonville business owner Chris Jackson)
$5,500
Sauce Gardner (New York Jets cornerback)
$5,000
Michael Wagner (former NFL player)
$5,000
Mike Evans Family Foundation
$5,000
Davante and Devanne Adams (Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver)
$5,000
Washington Commanders
$5,000
Arash Ferdowsi (Dropbox co-founder)
$5,000
Chris Jericho (professional wrestler)
$5,000
Chris Jericho (professional wrestler)
$5,000
Eric & Lindsay Stonestreet (actor)
$3,333
Why Not You Foundation
$3,333
Julian Love (New York Giants safety)
$3,000
Andy and JJ Dalton (New Orleans Saints quarterback)
$3,000
Ryan Leaf (former NFL player)
$2,500
Giveback XP (Cincinnati travel agency)
$2,500
Shannon Sharpe (former NFL player, current ESPN analyst)
$2,500
Wink & Laura Martindale (NY Giants defensive coordinator)
$2,500
Josh McDaniels (Las Vegas Raiders head coach)
$2,500
Paul Maguire (former NFL player)
$2,500
Michael Phelps (former Olympic swimmer)
$2,000
Drake London (Atlanta Falcons wide receiver)
$2,000
Jason McCourty (former NFL player)
$2,000
Devin McCourty (New England Patriots safety)
$2,000
Barrett Solar (Kansas City solar energy company)
$1,500
Landon and Haleigh Young (New Orleans Saints offensive tackle)
$1,100
Mike Fisher (former NHL player)
$1,003
Adam Schefter (ESPN NFL insider)
$1,003
Steel City NIL Club
$1,003
Mekhi Becton (New York Jets offensive tackle)
$1,000
Marc Morial (former mayor of New Orleans)
$1,000
Clayton Fejedelem (Miami Dolphins safety)
$1,000
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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