Tennessee’s celebrities and professional sports teams are coming together to support the Middle Tennessee communities devastated by several tornadoes over the weekend.
Popstar Taylor Swift reportedly donated $1 million to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which that group confirmed on its Facebook page.
“The Swifts found their original Tennessee home in Hendersonville and Sumner County and remain deeply committed to its continued well-being,” said Hal Cato, CEO of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, on the group’s Facebook page. “Taylor’s incredibly generous gift sends a message to her hometown, and the communities around it, that she has their backs during the long road to recovery following this devastating event.”
The Nashville Predators, Tennessee’s professional ice hockey team, is getting involved in tornado relief efforts in several ways, according to the National Hockey League (NHL).
A portion of the proceeds from the Predators Foundation’s silent auction during Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers will benefit tornado relief efforts, the league said. The Salvation Army will also be collecting donations for tornado relief at Tuesday night’s home game. The team is also partnering with the Community Resource Center and YAIPak to help volunteers fulfill Amazon wishlists for victims of the tornadoes.
“We were heartbroken to learn of the loss of life, the displaced families and all the damage that came to Middle Tennessee this past weekend because of the tornadoes,” Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena CEO Sean Henry said. “As our community looks to clean up from the storms, we are using our home game and event dates at Bridgestone Arena and F&M Bank Arena while dedicating resources to help those in need. We encourage others to assist where they can, rallying around those negatively impacted – let’s stand #smashvillestrong everyone.”
Tennessee is receiving help from the state and federal levels after 13 tornadoes ripped through the Clarksville area over the weekend.
“The Governor and Mrs. Lee, along with TEMA were on the ground with us yesterday,” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts told The Tennessee Star Monday. “The White House reached out to me and offered any help we needed. So, yes, state and federal government have been helpful.”
Six people, including two children, are confirmed dead in the wake of the storms.
Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.
Photo “Tornado Damage” by American Red Cross of Tennessee.