Hurricanes Fans Raise More Than $50k for Miami VA

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami student-athletes Brad Kaaya, Herb Waters and Ufomba Kamalu presented a ceremonial check in the amount of $52,000 to the Miami VA Healthcare System on Tuesday evening, capping the Hurricane’s Military Appreciation Day uniform auction.

Hurricanes fans bid on more than 140 individual auctions of adidas “Dark Ops” jerseys and helmets, worn during the Nov. 7 Homecoming game vs. Virginia.

Proceeds of the auction will directly benefit the Miami VA Fisher House, a “home away from home” for families of veterans and military servicemembers receiving care at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center.  The Fisher House enables family members to be close to their loved ones during hospitalization by providing comfortable lodging, in a beautiful and relaxing setting, only steps away from the medical center. There is no charge for families staying at the Fisher House.

“The support we have gotten from the University of Miami has been humbling,” said Shane Suzuki, Marine Corps Veteran and Miami VA Healthcare System spokesperson. “On behalf of South Florida Veterans and their families, we thank everyone who participated in making this amazing donation possible.”

The check was presented during the Miami men’s basketball game at the BankUnited Center, and drew loud applause from the sold-out crowd.

About Miami VA Healthcare System

The Miami VA Healthcare System is a 4 star, Joint Commission accredited, complexity level 1A facility serving 60,000 Veterans in three South Florida counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe. Offering a complete array of primary care, specialty care, mental health treatment options for Veterans, the Miami VA Healthcare System is honored to serve America’s heroes as they transition from military to civilian life at any of their 9 South Florida locations. For more information about how to enroll for care, visit www.miami.va.gov