At times of natural disaster or tragic events, NFL teams can become agents for help.
And in the wake of the wildfires that continue to burn in northern Arizona, which claimed 19 firefighters, the Cardinals are stepping up.
The team announced Tuesday they would donate $100,000 to the 100 Club of Arizona, which provides financial assistance to families of public safety officers and firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty.
Nineteen of the 20 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite firefighting unit, were killed fighting the blaze in Northern Arizona.
“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by the devastating and tragic events this week, especially the families of the 19 brave members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives serving our community,” Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said. “Our team is proud to assist the ongoing efforts and encourage our fans, the community and Arizona businesses to support these relief initiatives.”
The Cards also sent personnel to a Red Cross shelter in Prescott today to meet with displaced residents and those still battling the fire, and plan to announce more fundraising efforts closer to the start of training camp and the regular season.