Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend Marissa Mowry announced on social media Saturday a new GoFundMe initiative to raise money for victims and their families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Lawrence originally set up a GoFundME page earlier the week until Clemson asked the star quarterback to delete the page in accordance with NCAA rules that does not athletes to use their name, image or likeness for any crowdfunding efforts. The NCAA then said Tuesday in a statement that they are allowing schools to make “necessary adjustments’ to the rule because of the coronavirus pandemic, which allowed Lawrence to announce the charity’s restart.
“Marissa and I have created the Fund to help our friends and neighbors in the Cartersville and Upstate South Carolina communities deal with some of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 situation,” Lawrence said. “We hope others will join us in supporting the many families in need. These are challenging times, and no one should be left behind.”
Lawrence and Mowry raised $2,670 on their first GoFundMe charity page until it was stopped on Monday on the advice by Clemson’s compliance office. Mowry is a soccer player at Anderson University, which is about 15 miles from Clemson’s campus.
The NCAA was criticized initially for stopping the charity on social media but the organization said it did not ask Lawrence to take down the page and stressed other athletes can use websites such as GoFundMe to raise money for those afflicted with the virus.
The “Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry COVID-19 Relief Fund” joined with a team of other athletes around the world to raise money for those who have tested for the coronavirus. Funds will be donated to efforts in Cartersville, Georgia and communities around the upstate South Carolina area.
“We believe as Christians, it is our responsibility to love and serve those around us, especially through this pandemic,” Lawrence said. “We appreciate any and all efforts from you all. Every dollar makes a difference.”