Some tornado victims will be rooting for Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday. He pledged to donate $1,000 for each point and assist he makes to give to the people rebuilding their lives in New Orleans East after the February 7 tornado. His donation will be tied to the outcome of his game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans take on the Spurs on March 3 at the Smoothie King Center.
Holiday is working with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to make the personal donation.
"It's a shame that in the matter of minutes these storms produced such violent tornadoes that literally upended the lives of so many residents of New Orleans," said Holiday. "This financial pledge is a unique way I thought of that can have a positive impact on some of the peoples' lives and help them get back on their feet and assist them in getting their lives back in order. It's a blessing that nobody lost their lives in the tornadoes, but that doesn't mean the work is done. I've been impressed with how our city and its residents have responded to those in need and this is my way of helping out."
The Pelicans say Holiday has averaged 19.9 points per game and 8.4 assists.
"We are extremely grateful and thankful to Jrue Holiday for his generosity and thoughtfulness and his rapid response to the members of our community that have lost so much," said Andy Kopplin, president & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. "His contribution will go directly to aiding the hundreds of families that suffered significant losses due to the tornadoes."