Amidst Twitter posts riddled with playoff commentary and frustrations, former New England Patriots receiver Donte Stallworth tweeted: "I'm donating $1 to PROJECT MEDISHARE for each follower I have by midnight. PLEASE RT follow & let's help the people of Haiti together today!"
The message went viral, and Stallworth totaled more than 19,000 new followers as well as garnered support from fellow NFL players. Stallworth reported on the Twitter handle that Wes Welker, while lacking his own Twitter page, pledged to match his former teammate's donation. Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Cribbs also took part, donating one dollar for each of his followers by the midnight deadline.
At midnight, Stallworth graciously thanked his followers and the generosity of Welker and Cribbs for raising $34,200 for the Project Medishare emergency relief fund.
With the death toll increasing hourly in Haiti, the involvement of athletes and sporting organizations is significant. Stallworth, Welker and Cribbs are just a few of the many philanthropic athletes that have sprung to action. Notable athletes such as Boston's own David Ortiz have supported groups aiding the Haiti nation or have initiated their own efforts such as Philadelphia 76er Sam Dalembert.
Putting aside team rivalries, the sports world has been influential in responding to the tragedy with donations and mobilizing fellow athletes and Americans, in general, to be involved with relief fundraising. Even Boston fans can appreciate the latest Yankee expenditure. Offseason negotiations were put on the back burner, and the Yanks announced Wednesday that the organization will donate $500,000 to the Haitian relief fund.
