PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The American Athletic Conference, on behalf of its member institutions, has announced that it will make a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support the rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts in Houston and southeast Texas.



"The Houston community and the entire southeast Texas region need immediate help," said Commissioner Mike Aresco. "We ask those across the nation to join us in supporting the millions of people, including those at the University of Houston, affected by Hurricane Harvey. We are inspired by the enthusiastic support we have received from our membership and we hope that others will follow suit."

The American encourages everyone to consider a tax-deductible donation to the following organizations, which are providing direct emergency relief to citizens affected by the hurricane and flooding.

To donate to the American Red Cross, browse to www.redcross.org/donate or call 1-800-HELP-NOW. To make an immediate $10 donation, text 'HARVEY' to 90999.

To donate to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, choose one of the following options:
Online Credit Card Donations: Visit www.ghcf.org. Online credit card donations will be assessed a small fee, typically 3%, by the credit card companies. Donors have the option of increasing their credit card donations to cover this fee.

Checks/Money Orders: Mail to Greater Houston Community Foundation, 5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 6000, Houston, TX 77056.

Transfer Cash by Wire: Wire To: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Houston, TX; ABA # 021000021; For credit to: Greater Houston Community Foundation; A/C# 849170287; For further credit to: Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund

In addition to its donation to the Red Cross, The American, with the full approval of its member institutions, is supporting the relief effort in the following ways:
The Conference and its member schools will contribute to the effort organized by Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson. Each school, as well as the conference office, will donate t-shirts and shoes to Sampson's initiative, which will then be shared with the Red Cross, Star of Hope and the Greater Houston Community Fund/Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

The Conference will assist member schools in the activation of relief efforts at their home football, soccer and volleyball contests during the 2017 season. Among its initiatives, the Conference will provide public address scripts and scoreboard graphics that encourage fans in attendance to contribute to the American Red Cross.