Jeff Potter with Mayor and Major Mayor Henry

With the support of Fort Wayne’s Mayor Tom Henry, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants announced today that they have partnered with the Salvation Army to offer assistance for the flood victims of Southern Indiana. At a press conference, Mad Ants President Jeff Potter presented a check for $5,000 to the Salvation Army, as well as announcing that 10% of all new season ticket proceeds from now until September 1, 2008 will be donated to the Salvation Army.

During the week of May 30 through June 6, Indiana suffered one of the largest natural disasters in the state’s history. Tornadoes, strong storms, and heavy rainfall left hundreds of Hoosiers without homes. As storms remain in the forecast throughout the Midwest the need for assistance continues to grow.

The Mad Ants recognize the ongoing struggle to rebuild and are reaching out to help a neighboring community in a time of need. The team strongly believes that we are “One Colony, One Community,” and we are proud to be able to help our fellow Hoosiers.

“Over the past few weeks, it is clear that our friends outside of Fort Wayne are in desperate need of help, and, as Hoosiers, the Mad Ants want to do our part,” said Mad Ants’ President Jeff Potter. “As Fort Wayne ’s community team, we believe it is incumbent upon us to help in our own small way.”

The Mad Ants have chosen to work with the Salvation Army as a means of helping the flood victims. The Salvation Army will utilize the Mad Ants’ donation to continue its largest disaster response since Hurricane Katrina. For immediate relief the Salvation Army is currently providing meals, water, and clean-up kits for victims. They are also committed to the long term rebuilding efforts in the affected areas, which will continue throughout the upcoming year.

“[This is] a magnificent statement coming from one of our sports teams in efforts to help out fellow citizens in the state of Indiana,” said Mayor Henry. “To have these two organizations stand together to try and do something for our fellow Hoosiers makes me extremely proud to be an elected official in the state of Indiana.”

The Mad Ants and the Salvation Army are already receiving statewide support. US Representative Mark Souder commented on the Mad Ants’ efforts:

“The floods that inundated southern Indiana have left lasting damage, and the victims of this devastation will need the support of our community and our state as they recover. The Mad Ants are a true asset to the Fort Wayne community, and it is energizing to our youth to see the athletes they admire reach out and help other Hoosiers in need. I applaud the Mad Ants for donating part of their proceeds to help our neighbors in southern Indiana as they recover from this damage. I hope that families around the Fort Wayne area will take the opportunity to support the Mad Ants in this effort. ”

For more information on how you can be a part of the Mad Ants’ relief efforts please contact the Mad Ants office at (260) 469-4667 or visit www.fortwaynehoops.com.