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08/09/2005
Press Release: Former welterweight champion Vernon Forrest is funding housing in Atlanta, Georgia for five New Orleans families left homeless in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Atlanta native quickly responded to a telethon presented by a local Atlanta radio station. Forrest's donation, totaling over $6000 will provide month long stays for the families at the Amerisuites Hotel in Atlanta. In another act of generosity and upon meeting one of the families, Forrest learned that the mother suffered from high blood pressure and was in urgent need of assistance. He personally escorted the mother to a nearby drugstore where she was able to retrieve her medication when Forrest covered the cost. The following day, Forrest participated in a live telethon telethon to help raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Forrest stated, "As Americans we should all feel compelled to help as able. I strongly encourage my fellow boxers and the entire boxing community to recognize their potential in aiding the Hurricane relief efforts. The people really need our assistance."
