Badgers Basketball Player Chris Vogt Raises $40K On GoFundMe For Kentucky Tornado Victims

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball player Chris Vogt set up a GoFundMe on Saturday to help his Kentucky hometown, after deadly tornadoes killed dozens of people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses across the Midwest on Friday.

"I grew up in Mayfield, Kentucky and Mayfield is still where I call home today," Vogt said in his GoFundMe page. "I was speechless when I saw the pictures and videos of the damage."

A record tornado recently hit my hometown of Mayfield, Ky. I am raising money to help the victims. Every donation and share helps. Thank you and God bless❤️🙏🏼 https://t.co/Zb8JWFrYU9
— Chris Vogt (@ChrisVogt33) December 11, 2021

Every donation and share helps, Vogt added. So far, the fundraiser has raised $40,965 of its $50,000 goal.

Here are five safe and verified ways to donate to storm victims.

1. American Red Cross. Wisconsinites can easily send a quick $10 donation simply by texting "REDCROSS" addressed to the number, 90999. Other donations can be made by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcross.org online.
2. Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear established the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to help those affected by storms on Friday and Saturday. Donations are accepted on the relief fund website.
3. The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has a disaster relief fund for tornado victims. People can donate to emergency workers in Illinois and Missouri, and teams in Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee through the organization website.
4. Samaritan's Purse. The humanitarian group is working in areas like Mayfield, Kentucky, Monette, Arkansas and disaster areas in Tennessee and Illinois. People can donate through the group's website.
5. United Way. United Way of Kentucky has set up a Disaster Recovery Fund to support Kentucky communities in need, and the organization says that 100 percent of its funds will go directly to recovery efforts. Gifts can be made by visiting uwky.org/tornado.

Patch Editor Cassie Fambro contributed to this story.