Justin Verlander and Kate Upton "are really heartbroken to hear what's been happening in Detroit, a city so close to our hearts," the former Tigers star says from their home in Lakeland, Fla.
A nearly two-minute video, embedded below, announces donations to Covid front-liners in partnership with other benefactors.
"With such deep ties to this amazing and resilient city, we wanted to focus our efforts on supporting both the community and first responders," says the eight-time All-Star, who pitched here from 2005-17 before joining the Astros. "We've especially seen the impact on the Detroit Police Department and reached out to learn how we could help.
Kate Upton and Justin Verlander: "We've especially seen the impact on the Detroit Police Department." (Photo: Instagram)
"Together we quickly identified their areas of need and are so grateful for several collaborations and extremely generous organizations that rushed to support."
The couple, which donated last week to the Houston Food Bank and Feeding America, now give this help:
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25,000 masks for Detroit Police, through a partnership with Bella+Canvas of Los Angeles.
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Face shields for every Detroit officer, paramedic and firefighter, through a partnership with Ford.
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Thermometers for city police, through a partnership with a New York nonprofit called B Strong Disaster Relief.
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Funds for Feed the Frontlines Detroit, which is working with local restaurants to deliver meals to health care workers and emergency crews.
The couple announced their commitment two weeks ago, when Verlander said they'd donbate his salary for at least the next two months to organizations in need. That's over $200,000, according to The Detroit News
The athlete posted on Instagram:
Recently Major League Baseball announced it will be continuing to send paychecks to players while the season is suspended. Kate Upton and I have decided to donate those funds to a different organization each week so that we can support their efforts and highlight the great work they’re doing during the COVID-19 crisis.
Everyone around the world is affected by this virus, and we hope to contribute to the families and jobs affected, the healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines and the many others in need of basic necessities, medical supplies and support at home. As soon as the first paycheck is received we will be highlighting the first organization.
We know everyone is impacted by this crisis, but for those who are able, we encourage you to stay home to help flatten the curve and look to those around you who need a helping hand.
Friday's video:
