When Hurricane Irma devastated the rural south Florida town of Immokalee in September, the local high school sheltered hundreds of people, offering comfort and safety to those in need. The school is now on the receiving end of that level of generosity.
The Immokalee High School athletics department took a big hit when the hurricane forced the cancelation of several football games – its primary revenue source. To help fill that hole, UnitedHealthcare and NFL cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie donated $20,000 to the school through the Dreambuilders Foundation.
The Dreambuilders Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with professional athletes to help financially, physically and mentally-challenged kids receive the items, opportunities and equipment they need to achieve their dreams.
“It's a big deal when you have people come here and help the community, help the school,” said former NFL player Edgerrin James, who graduated from the school. “They're here for Immokalee people.”