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Fund for McElrathbey brothers raises nearly $50,000
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Nearly $50,000 has been raised so far to help Clemson freshman Ray Ray McElrathbey raise his 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr, with contributions from across the country, including an NBA player and REM's manager.
Jenny Sullivan of First Citizen's Bank of Clemson, where the trust fund was established, said along with the higher profile donors have come a grade-school girl stapling her $1 allowance to a contribution from her mother.
"It restores my faith in human beings," Sullivan said.
McElrathbey took custody of Fahmarr this summer because of their mother's continuing drug problem. The elder McElrathbey said he wanted his younger brother near him and not returned to foster care.
The school announced the trust fund for the McElrathbeys on Sept. 19, about a week after the NCAA granted a waiver to allow the brothers to receive help and not violate rules against extra benefits.
Attorney Chris Olson, who has overseen donations until the trust fund could be enacted, said the latest total was $48,619.
The trust department at First Citizens would take over the fund's administration when the agreement was finalized, said bank senior vice president Bill Harley.
Harley wouldn't disclose the NBA player who made the donation.
The McElrathbeys share an off-campus apartment and live off Ray Ray's scholarship funds and what he can pick up cutting grass or doing other odd jobs, the elder McElrathbey has said.
The NCAA's waiver allowed Clemson personnel to help with Fahmarr's transportation to R.C. Edwards Middle School and around town, and to offer care while Ray Ray was traveling with the team.
Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips said he planned to make a donation and did not think the NCAA's guidelines prevented school personnel, football coaches or others from contributing.
Right now, Phillips is happy with the initial public response to the McElrathbeys.
"I think it's tremendous and it goes beyond our borders," Phillips said. "It's gratifying that people have heard the story and want to be helpful."
Source: ESPN.com
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Nearly $50,000 has been raised so far to help Clemson freshman Ray Ray McElrathbey raise his 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr, with contributions from across the country, including an NBA player and REM's manager.
Jenny Sullivan of First Citizen's Bank of Clemson, where the trust fund was established, said along with the higher profile donors have come a grade-school girl stapling her $1 allowance to a contribution from her mother.
"It restores my faith in human beings," Sullivan said.
McElrathbey took custody of Fahmarr this summer because of their mother's continuing drug problem. The elder McElrathbey said he wanted his younger brother near him and not returned to foster care.
The school announced the trust fund for the McElrathbeys on Sept. 19, about a week after the NCAA granted a waiver to allow the brothers to receive help and not violate rules against extra benefits.
Attorney Chris Olson, who has overseen donations until the trust fund could be enacted, said the latest total was $48,619.
The trust department at First Citizens would take over the fund's administration when the agreement was finalized, said bank senior vice president Bill Harley.
Harley wouldn't disclose the NBA player who made the donation.
The McElrathbeys share an off-campus apartment and live off Ray Ray's scholarship funds and what he can pick up cutting grass or doing other odd jobs, the elder McElrathbey has said.
The NCAA's waiver allowed Clemson personnel to help with Fahmarr's transportation to R.C. Edwards Middle School and around town, and to offer care while Ray Ray was traveling with the team.
Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips said he planned to make a donation and did not think the NCAA's guidelines prevented school personnel, football coaches or others from contributing.
Right now, Phillips is happy with the initial public response to the McElrathbeys.
"I think it's tremendous and it goes beyond our borders," Phillips said. "It's gratifying that people have heard the story and want to be helpful."
Source: ESPN.com
