Curtis Martin to Donate $10K to Bellmore-Merrick Sandy Relief

Editor's Note: This article was written by representatives of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

Legendary New York Jets running back and 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Curtis Martin will be signing autographs at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore on Monday, May 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. to raise funds for the Cougar Nation Hurricane Relief Fund.

Martin has agreed to participate in this charity event at no cost to the school and will be personally donating $10,000 to the cause.

“Our community was devastated by Hurricane Sandy,” Martin said. “Many families were displaced, homes were destroyed and businesses experienced huge losses. Some of us who remain intact have the ability to help those who are not. On May 20, I'm doing an autograph signing at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Cougar Nation Hurricane Relief Fund. My goal is to raise at least $50,000. I'm going to start it off by donating $10,000 and I need everyone's help to raise $40,000 more.”

The Bellmore-Merrick John F. Kennedy High School Student Government contacted ESPN football analyst and Kennedy High School alumnus Adam Schefter about the event, who then contacted Martin, who is ranked fourth in all-time NFL career rushing yards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year. Schefter will also be attending the event.

“The Kennedy Student Government is grateful to Mr. Martin for donating his time to help us raise money for the worthy cause, and also for his generous donation,” said Scott Fessler, John F. Kennedy High School Student Government President. “We are excited to use the money, as well as the funds already collected, to help those in our community who have suffered a tremendous financial burden as a result of the hurricane.”

There will be a $30 charge for each “flat” item (photos, newspapers, magazines) and a $40 fee for each piece of clothing, equipment, etc. One hundred percent of the donations from the autograph signing will go to the Cougar Nation Hurricane Relief Fund, which was set up in November to benefit families in Bellmore-Merrick community that were affected by Hurricane Sandy. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.