Indians collect over $16,000 for hurricane victims

INDIANAPOLIS -- Eight wives of Indianapolis Indians players and coaches collected $16,808 for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund during the final two weeks of the 2005 season. The money will be donated to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Susan Jewett (manager Trent Jewett), Lynne Knowles (pitching coach Darold Knowles), Jennifer Casula (strength & conditioning coach Kevin Casula), Lauren Bullington (RHP Bryan Bullington), Aubrey Koonce (INF Graham Koonce), Kellie Reith (RHP Brian Reith), Stacy Sadler (OF Ray Sadler) and Natalie Skrehot (INF Shaun Skrehot) were responsible for planning and executing the fundraiser at Victory Field.

Indians fans who contributed to the relief fund had a chance to win several pieces of signed memorabilia, including team-autographed jerseys. The fundraising efforts began during the final homestand of the season and continued through all three home playoff games.

"I'm so happy that we were able to assist some of those in need," Lynne Knowles said. "The coaching staff and players were extremely supportive (of the fundraising effort). They were all willing to help and several of them gave generous donations themselves.

"We saw a lot of people pour their hearts out for a tremendous cause," Lauren Bullington said. "We ended up interacting with several Indians fans who have family and friends in Louisiana and Mississippi. It was very satisfying to help people affected by this horrifying natural disaster."

Tribe RHP Kirk Bullinger, a native of New Orleans, has several family members in Louisiana.

"Twenty two members of Kirk's family were forced to evacuate the New Orleans area," the pitching coach's wife added. "They are all living in one house in Clarksville, Tenn. I can't imagine living in those conditions. It's a terrible situation all the way around. The players and coaches donated food and some other items to help Kirk's family in this time of need."

The Indians players also donated several boxes of clothes and other significant items to the family of Brandon Moore, who is a coach for the Williamsport Crosscutters (Pittsburgh's Short-Season affiliate). Moore has immediate family in Biloxi and Gulfport, Miss., two areas that were hit hard by the hurricane.

"The kindness and generosity you have shown to our family at this time of such devastation and destruction is overwhelming," Moore and his wife, Kerri, said in a letter sent to the Indians front office. "We have been blessed to have such large-hearted people and families showing so much support. Your kindness to strangers has literally brought us to our knees."