UPDATED 6/28/12 AT 4:45 P.M. MDT
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --The Denver Broncos on Wednesday pledged to make a $50,000 donation to assist with relief efforts for the wildfires burning in Colorado, Owner Pat Bowlen announced.
"On behalf of the Denver Broncos, I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by the devastating fires throughout Colorado and the region," Bowlen said. "In particular, my thoughts are with those who have lost their homes or live in the evacuation areas.
"I also would like to commend the dedication of the firefighters, medical personnel, volunteers and the numerous organizations that are working around the clock to respond to these tragedies. Their contributions are heroic, selfless and truly immeasurable.
"This is our home, and we need to do whatever we can to take care of our neighbors. If at all possible, I encourage our fans to help however they can in providing relief during this time of need."
The Broncos' donation helped with the creation of the Colorado Fire Relief Fund 2012, benefiting those affected by Colorado wildfires. Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the fund Thursday afternoon.
"Coloradans are at their best when they work together to help each other in difficult times," Hickenlooper said. "We've established this fund in response to the outpouring of support from the community to help out our neighbors affected by these wildfires."
Individuals, foundations and corporations may contribute through the Colorado Fire Relief Fund at The Denver Foundation. More than $600,000 has already been generated.
In addition to the Broncos, AEG Live Rocky Mountains, Anadarko Petroleum, Corp., Arrow Electronics, Inc., AT&T, Bohemian Foundation, CBS4, Channel 93.3 (KTCL), Coca-Cola Refreshments, Comcast, HealthONE, First Bank, 97.3 KBCO, mGive Foundation, Sam's Club, Suncor Energy, Teletech, The Denver Foundation, Walmart, Wells Fargo and Western Union helped establish the Colorado Fire Relief Fund 2012.
Individuals can text the word FIRE to 80000 to give $10 through the mGive Colorado Fire Fund.
In addition, Independence Eve through the Civic Center Conservancy will support fire relief efforts on the evening of July 3 in Denver's Civic Center Park, and AEG Live Rocky Mountains will host a series of VIP experiences with Alan Jackson, Avett Brothers, Blues Traveler and Foster the People among other events.
For information about contributing to the Colorado wildfire relief efforts, please visit: http://www.helpcoloradonow.org.
