By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Thompson Family Foundation joined the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts and plan to use their signature fundraiser to bring awareness and support.

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson announced that all proceeds from the second annual Thompson Family Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament will be donated to the relief effort.

The Foundation will also match all of the proceeds raised from the event.

The tournament will be hosted September 19-20 at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California.

Thompson delivered his response to the recent events that have unfolded in a statement on the foundation’s website.

“These past few weeks have been so unimaginably hard for Bahamians, especially on the islands of Abaco and Freeport. People have lost everything - loved ones, family, possessions, homes. Whatever you cherish it’s gone for these communities. This is far from a quick fix, it will take years and years of rebuilding. The Thompson Family Foundation will do everything in its power to help with relief efforts right now and for many years to come. All contributions no matter how big or small will go a long way and are greatly appreciated.”

He also criticised the Trump administration in their handling of displaced hurricane victims seeking refuge in the United States.

“Shame on our current administration for not welcoming our Bahamian neighbors in their greatest time of need. I’ve been so lucky to visit my family in Nassau since childhood, and in those times I’ve seen countless Americans use the Bahamian islands as their playground for letting loose and vacationing. And now we turn our back on the people who welcomed us with open arms, when they’ve lost everything !? There’s no excuse for this,” Thompson said, “Bahamians will persevere, but help along the way is greatly appreciated.”

In addition, Thompson also pledged that the foundation would match Buddy Hield’s donation of $100,000 toward restoration efforts.

According to its website, the mission of the Thompson Family Foundation is to enrich the lives of youth in the United States and the Bahamas through fitness and education.

Mychal Thompson was recruited from the Bahamas to Miami Jackson High and eventually to the University of Minnesota. He was the top overall pick in the 1978 Draft by the Portland Trailblazers and enjoyed a 13 year NBA career highlighted by a pair of championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The entrance of the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium that leads to the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium is named in his honour.

Always a strong presence in the Bahamas, both Mychal and Klay are frequent participants in the annual Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp, while Mychel was a member of the Bahamas’ national team at the 2014 Centrobasket tournament.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” the elder Thompson said, “If blessed with riches, health, or knowledge, you should be willing to pass it on.”