NBA's Andre Drummond Donates $100K To Middlesex Health

Middletown CT

20 April, 2020

4:12 PM

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MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown native Andre Drummond, a former UConn basketball standout and current center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, recently donated $100,000 to Middlesex Health's Emergency Response Fund. The fund was recently established to help the health system, based in Middletown, with expenses related to its response to the new coronavirus. Like other health systems throughout the country, Middlesex Health is facing increased demands due to the spread of COVID-19. Expenses include, but are not limited to, "purchasing personal protective equipment for staff and paying for the auxiliary equipment and supplies needed to help assess and treat patients during this pandemic," according to a news release. In addition to attending college in Connecticut, Drummond grew up in Middletown. His mother worked at Middlesex before leaving her job to become her son's manager when he headed to the NBA. "The community of Middletown has always supported me throughout my entire career," Drummond said in a statement. "It's my turn to help give back and provide those on the frontlines with the resources they need to help fight the virus." Officials said Middlesex Health is grateful for Drummond's generosity. "This is a difficult time for everyone, and we feel very fortunate that Andre chose to give back to his hometown in its time of need," Middlesex Health President and CEO Vincent G. Capece Jr. said in a statement on the organization's website. "His generous donation will help ease the burden on our health system and ensure that we can continue to provide the safest and best care possible to our patients." Drummond's donation is one of many donations made to the Middlesex Health Emergency Response Fund. To date, there have been more than 100 donations made to the fund, including a $68,000 donation from an anonymous donor made through a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. The Liberty Bank Foundation also gave $25,000. Separate from the Emergency Response Fund, other local businesses and members of the community have donated personal protective equipment, homemade face masks and food for health care workers. They've also sent heartwarming messages of support to Middlesex staff. "Our community has really stepped up to help us during this pandemic," Capece said. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. It helps us stay Middlesex strong during this health care crisis." For more information about the Middlesex Health Emergency Response Fund or to donate, visit here.