Dana White: UFC donating $1M to Hawaii relief efforts

The UFC has been at the forefront of several unflattering headlines this week, mainly due to the class certification awarded to the plaintiffs in the ongoing antitrust suit, but today, Dana White made an announcement via social media that’s a breath of fresh air. Ahead of UFC Vegas 78, El Jefe announced the UFC was going to be making a couple significant contributions to help wildfire-plagued Hawaii.

Maui is burning

In case you’ve missed it, the Maui harbor town of Lahaina was basically razed to the ground, ravaged by wildfires that tore through the area a few days ago. More than 2200 buildings were affected or destroyed entirely and 80 lives were lost in the fires. 2170 acres of land were burned to ash. The devastation is massive and the cost to rebuild will be equally massive.

That’s where this story gets its wings. White says the promotion is donating $1M flat out to Hawaii relief efforts. Along with that donation is a release of a t-shirt in the company store. The tee says “UFC ♥ Hawaii” and all proceeds will go to Hawaiian relief. Here’s a transcript of what he had to say:

UFC philanthropy

“Hey everyone, UFC president Dana White here. It’s been horrible watching the wildfires raging across Maui, causing devastation to that beautiful place and the amazing people who call it home. My heart goes out to all of you who suffered so much loss. But I want all of you to know you’re not alone. The Hawaiian people embody the warrior spirit like no one else and we stand with you.

In that spirit, UFC is going to make a million dollar donation to support Hawaii relief efforts. We’re also doing this limited edition t-shirt with 100% of the proceeds going to those Hawaii relief efforts. So please, visit UFCstore.com today, pick up a t-shirt, and to our friends in Hawaii, we love you, we have your backs. And to everyone else, UFC sponsors, anybody affiliated with the UFC, I ask you to stand up too. Donate some money, reach out to me, or buy a t-shirt. Let’s all help these people in Hawaii. Thank you very much.”

If you would like to donate to Hawaii’s relief efforts yourself, there are several organizations offering assistance. One of the most important resources during times of crisis like this are food banks. The Maui Food Bank could use all the help they can get. Here’s some info:

Maui Food Bank

Maui Food Bank provides “safe and nutritious food” to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry, the organization says. Maui Food Bank also donates food to disaster relief efforts on the island. “With every $1 donated, the Maui Food Bank can provide 4 meals to the hungry living in our island community,” the food bank pledges. To donate, visit the food bank’s website.

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Stephie Haynes

Stephie Haynes has been covering MMA since 2005. She has also worked for MMA promotion Proelite and apparel brand TapouT. She hosted TapouT’s official radio show for four years before joining Bloody Elbow in 2012. She has interviewed everyone there is to interview in the fight game from from Dana White to Conor McGregor to Kimbo Slice, as well as mainstream TV, film and music stars including Norman Reedus, RZA and Anthony Bourdain. She has been producing the BE podcast network since 2017 and hosts four of its current shows.

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