Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Andre Iguodala has announced today that he will assist in the on-going tornado relief efforts in Illinois by establishing the Andre Iguodala Disaster Relief Fund. The relief fund aims to raise money to assist tornado victims in the city of Springfield, Ill., and more specifically, to aid approximately 250 displaced children from area schools within the Springfield District 186 community. The AIDRF will work in conjunction with One in a Million Inc., an area non-profit organization.

Individually, Iguodala, a 22-year-old native of Springfield, Ill., will donate a set amount of money per point, rebound and assist recorded in this upcoming Sunday’s (4/2) game against the New York Knicks at the Wachovia Center. As an organization, the 76ers will contribute by hosting two fundraising auctions, and donating backpacks filled with various school supplies to children in the affected area and kids from Lanphier High School, Iguodala’s alma mater.

An online auction of Iguodala memorabilia, including a game of HORSE with Iguodala himself will begin on Thursday, March 30 on Sixers.com. In addition, an in-arena auction, hosted at the Sixers Charities table in the Broad Street Atrium of the Wachovia Center, will take place on April 2 to benefit the relief fund.

On Sunday, March 12, Central Illinois was struck by two tornadoes that did millions of dollars in widespread damage. Thousands lost their electricity, their homes and their businesses. The damage assessment found that more than 60 homes were destroyed in six counties, including 40 in Sangamon County. The District 186 section of Springfield received over $300,000 worth of damage. Nearly 130 homes in those areas received major damage, meaning repairs are needed before residents can return to their homes. Another 940 homes received minor damage from the storms. In addition, 80 businesses suffered major damage and another 160 received minor damage.