University of Delaware Athletics
Friends and Fans of Delaware Volleyball Raises $3,476 for Franklin County Alabama Tornado Disaster Relief Fund
10/18/2011 5:11:00 PM | Volleyball
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware volleyball team focused its annual fundraiser efforts towards a direct cause that harmed one of its own in the Colonial Athletic Association this year, helping VCU Assistant Volleyball Coach Nathan Baker.
Baker's hometown, Franklin County, Alabama, was devastated by the over 60 tornadoes that hit the state, killing 238 people, on April 27, 2011.
Prior to the Blue Hens' match against visiting James Madison on October 7, fans in attendance were offered the chance to pledge money for each team kill, block, assist, dig, or ace compiled by the Blue Hens during the match. Delaware went on to win the contest, 3-1.
Without his knowing, the Blue Hens traveled to VCU on Saturday, October 15, to play the Rams and to surprise Baker with a check of the pledge money. Fans from the JMU match were encouraged to send their pledged amount to the Franklin County Alabama Tornado Disaster Relief Fund in Baker's name.
Prior to the start of the match, junior middle hitter Chelsea Lawrence took to the Siegel Center microphone and stunned the assistant coach.
“We have a short but special presentation that we would like to make tonight," said Lawrence. "Upon learning about the devastation that the state of Alabama experienced this past spring and its affect on Nathan Baker, we decided that our community service this fall would be to raise money for the Franklin County Alabama Tornado Disaster Relief Fun in Nathan's name. We would like to present Nathan with a check for $3,476. Nathan, we want you to know that we care and want to help rebuild your hometown.”
The Blue Hens claimed the 3-1 victory over VCU as Lawrence went for a career best 18 kills, but Baker and Franklin County, Alabama walked away winners.
The Blue Hens return to action on Friday as they start a five-match home stand with Georgia State on Viera Court at 7 p.m.
