Former Wisconsin men's basketball coach Howard Moore returned to the Kohl Center for the first time since a tragic crash that killed two members of his family nearly five years ago. Moore, who sustained severe burns and was left severely disabled, received a long and rousing ovation from the crowd and was pushed onto the court in a wheelchair by former teammate Rashard Griffith. The Wisconsin players wore shooting shirts with a message in support of Moore, and the Illinois coaching staff wore ties with the same motto. A fundraising campaign has been launched to cover Moore's healthcare needs for the remainder of his life, and the men's basketball offices will be named after Moore and his family.
IHOP is celebrating National Pancake Day by offering free pancakes at participating locations nationwide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. In addition to the free pancakes, the restaurant chain has launched a month-long fundraising campaign to assist those suffering from food insecurity, allowing customers to donate to provide meals for those in need. There are some limitations to the promotion, including one free short stack per guest, specific promotional hours, and a $1 donation requirement in New York and New Jersey.
Ecologists in Mexico have relaunched the "Adoptaxolotl" campaign to raise funds for the conservation of axolotls, a critically endangered species of salamander. The campaign allows people to virtually adopt an axolotl and receive live updates on its health. The population density of Mexican axolotls has declined by 99.5% in under two decades, primarily due to water pollution, amphibian fungus, and non-native rainbow trout. The campaign aims to support captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts. However, there is a lack of resources for comprehensive research and monitoring. The Mexican government recently approved an 11% funding cut for its environment department, exacerbating the challenges faced by conservationists.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is facing a $2.5 million budget deficit and has canceled two productions, "The Lion" and "The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Tribute to Whitney Houston," while changing another. The theater company will need to raise the funds through ticket sales and philanthropy by the end of 2023 to present the remaining productions. The financial crisis is attributed to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in theater audiences even before the pandemic. The Rep has announced a "Rally for the Rep" fundraising campaign to address the shortfall.
Yael Aloni, who underwent heart transplant surgery at the age of eight, is now in need of a second heart transplant and a kidney transplant. Her family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the expenses of her medical treatment in the US, where doctors say there is a better chance of finding a suitable heart in time. Aloni's medical condition has deteriorated significantly, and she urgently needs a heart and kidney transplant. The ongoing living expenses of her mother and sister, who are with her on the journey, amount to one million shekels.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $25 million for a new 30,000-square foot facility to house its education center and unique collection of baseball memorabilia. The museum aims to preserve and celebrate the history of the Negro Leagues and their impact on civil rights and social justice. Bank of America has already donated $1 million to the project. The museum features lockers for some of the game's best players, a "Field of Legends," and a collection of memorabilia, including nearly 200 autographed baseballs.
