NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Houston Texans and the NFL kicked off a drive Sunday to raise $2 million to help relief and recovery efforts in Texas from Hurricane Ike.
Houston owner Bob McNair announced he is giving $500,000, with the NFL and NFL Players Association matching that amount. Chevron Corporation added $250,000, but McNair said before kickoff of the game between his Texans and Tennessee that they are hoping to raise the remaining money from corporations and other businesses.
"We've been out at the pods center distributing items," McNair said. "We'll be at the food bank, and we'll be distributing food there. We just have a lot of empathy for all the fans that have suffered. I'm without power still, so I understand. But at least I have a roof over my head, and some people don't. So we feel very fortunate."
The drive, called Texans for Texans, will split the money between the Houston Ike Relief Fund started by Houston Mayor Bill White to provide food, water and medicine, and the United Way.
Fans also can contribute through the team's Web site at www.HoustonTexans.com starting Monday. The plan is to make the final donation at the Texans' home opener Oct. 5 against Indianapolis.
Titans quarterback Vince Young, who was out against the Texans, also wants to help his hometown and those affected by Ike through his Vince Young Foundation.
"I'm trying to get away now," Young told Houston television station KRIV before the game. "So I am talking to Coach (Jeff) Fisher to get away right now.
"Just get in the city. See what's going on. ... Help some of the people out. That's what a foundation is all about."
His agent and uncle were in Galveston over the weekend passing out food and other items on behalf of the foundation.
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