Rucker To Donate $10,000 To Helene Relief Efforts, Matched By Wells Fargo & Food Lion Feeds

Tar Heel defender Kaimon Rucker has long believed in helping people however he can, and with his $10,000 donation to the MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, N.C., he is helping victims of Hurricane Helene in a big way.

"For me, it was heartbreaking to see towns and places that people cherished so much now suffering," Rucker said. "And I thought to myself, why not use my platform from the NIL I earn here to give back to the people who truly need it?"

Rucker will be using funds from his own NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals and platform to donate $10,000 directly to the food bank to help those in the most need in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

When Carolina Athletics corporate partners Wells Fargo and Food Lion Feeds heard about Rucker's generous donation, they decided to join forces with him – and matched his gift.

Wells Fargo is committing a matching donation of $10,000 and Food Lion Feeds will donate 10,000 meals that will also be given to the MANNA FoodBank in Rucker's name.

"We can do more good for those in need when we work together," said Rod Banks, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. "Wells Fargo is excited to join Kaimon Rucker's initiative to support MANNA FoodBank to show the power of collective action and to help bring continued meals to those impacted by the hurricane."

Together, these organizations are making a positive impact on those affected by the hurricane's devastation.

"At Food Lion, we care for the towns and cities we serve because we know our neighbors count on us every day," shared David Hardee, Community Relations Specialist, Food Lion. "Part of demonstrating care is lending a hand to support our communities during times of need. We are committed to partnering with Kaimon and joining his efforts to support MANNA FoodBank's rebuilding and recovery after the hurricane."

The additional matching funds and meals to Rucker's gift from both Wells Fargo and Food Lion made an impact on Rucker as well.

"Food Lion Feeds and Wells Fargo having the ability to match my donation shows the great character of these businesses," Rucker said of the partnership. "This partnership to give back to the people and the area is a tremendous help."

Carolina NIL is committed to helping student-athletes with their NIL, including initiatives to give back to communities. In partnership with Old Well Management and NC Hall of Fame, student-athletes such as Rucker are able to have positive impacts on the community through their NIL.

Rucker, a graduate student from Hartwell, Ga., has ties to the western part of North Carolina, as his father attended Mars Hill University. A leader on North Carolina's defensive unit, who had eight tackles, three sacks and an interception on Saturday versus Virginia, is also a semifinalist for the Jason Whitten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which honors leadership and integrity on and off the field.

"My thoughts and prayers are with not only the people of Western North Carolina, but also the entire towns that have been affected by Hurricane Helene," he said. "This is just a small drop in a big pond of support for everyone, but we are praying for you and we are still supporting you as you build back from what the hurricane took from all of you."

Rucker To Donate $10,000 To Helene Relief Efforts, Matched By Wells Fargo & Food Lion Feeds

Players Mentioned

Kaimon Rucker

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