‘NIL for good’: NC State student-athletes pledge funds for NC storm relief
N.C. State student-athletes decided to use name, image and likeness funding in a positive manner, the One Pack NIL announced on Tuesday.
Forty-eight members of the Wolfpack collective pledged a portion of their NIL earnings to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The group has committed $4,635 to Samaritan’s Purse. It includes football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball players.
“This idea originated from our student-athletes asking how they can help our neighbors in need,” Executive Director of One Pack NIL Chris Vurnakes said in a statement. “This initiative speaks to the culture of N.C. State, the leadership of our programs and the values of our student-athletes. This is truly NIL for good.”
Helene caused significant damage to the western part of the state, including Watauga Country. Samaritan’s Purse is headquartered in Boone, the county seat.
Defensive end Isaiah Shirley grew up in Boone and attended Watauga High School. Vurnakes said Shirley donated to the effort and his family introduced the collective to the nonprofit.
The collective asks its supporters to join the relief efforts. They can donate directly to Samaritan’s Purse online or to obtain more information on relief work.
Supporters can also drop off donations at the Close-King Indoor Football Practice facility across from Carter-Finley Stadium. One Pack members and brothers Davin and Rylan Vann partnered with their family’s moving company, Joyful Movers and Durham Rescue Mission to collect supplies for people in need.
The extent of the storm’s damage and death toll remain uncertain, authorities said.
The N.C. Department of Transportation travel website lists more than 400 road closures. NCDOT told residents all roads in the western region should be considered closed and only used for emergencies. Portions of Interstates 26 and 40, south and east of Asheville, were reopened on Tuesday. Westbound I-40 was also set to reopen, but the department urged people to avoid travel.
Officials confirmed 38 people have been killed but the total remains unknown as search and rescue efforts continue.
Shirley’s family, along with the families of Aydan White, Zack Myers and head coach Dave Doeren’s sons, were all impacted by the storm but are safe.
