Miami Dolphins pitch in to help at North High
When ZaQuandre White’s mother’s North Fort Myers home was damaged during Hurricane Ian and much of his hometown was in a state of tatters, he called for some backup.
That backup came in the form of his teammates from the Miami Dolphins, who, on their off day, along with the athletes from North Fort Myers High School, helped spread some good fortune to thousands of people.
The Lee County School District partnered with the Miami Dolphins Tuesday to distribute hurricane recovery supplies, food, water and other necessities at North Fort Myers High.
Countless cars formed a line almost all the way to Pondella Road on April Lane, waiting hours for the chance to get some much-needed food and water, meet a Miami Dolphin or two and even get a hot meal that many haven’t had since the storm.
White, who is a running back for the Dolphins, was also a star running back and basketball player at North, graduating in 2017. He still has many friends and family here in Southwest Florida, and after Ian did its damage, he sprang into action, returning home whenever he could on his days off to help.
“This is where I’m from. I’m glad my teammates came out to help me and the whole Dolphin organization,” White said. “It feels great to give back. A lot of people have nothing right now, so it’s an opportunity to help out.”
Dolphins teammate Raheem Mostert said that although he went to high school on the other coast, he felt obligated to come to the aid of his teammate.
“I’ve been through these experiences, growing up in hurricane season. I remember as a boy, trees being knocked over and not having the right supplies,” Mostert said. “Being able to ask for help is very important for the community. It’s important to stick together at a time like this.”
The Dolphins, who arrived by bus from Miami, reached out to the school district shortly after the hurricane to show support for the North Fort Myers community.
“They asked what they would be eating and what they should bring and we were already partnering with World Central Kitchen to bring some meals in,” said Rob Spicker, assistant director of media Relations for the Lee County School District. “They are getting generators off this bus, brooms, diapers, baby formula, the things our community needs.”
World Central Kitchen set up a hot meal distribution site at North High and will run it for the remainder of the week.
Members of the North volleyball, cross country and football teams all came out to help. Football coach Dwayne Mack said it’s just what the community does.
“It goes back to tradition and the history of the high school and the legends who have played here. Zee White played here, so for him to come back and partner with the Dolphins and North Fort Myers High School to give back is a big thing,” Mack said. “Gulf Coast Strong.”
School Superintendent Christopher Bernier said he was excited to see the Southwest Florida community step up during a time of disaster.
“You have a man who graduated from North, made a career for himself with the Dolphins and in the midst of doing everything as a player, realized his community needed him,” Bernier said. “We’ve had meals and food distribution sites at all our schools. Going to where people have been impacted by the storm makes you believe that people want to support their community.”
North Principal Debbie Diggs said her school managed OK during the storm, and having installed a new roof two years ago kept the school from becoming a complete disaster.
“Zee is one of our Red Knight babies and when the Dolphins realized he’s from the area and his mom’s house was damaged during the storm, they wanted to support him and give back,” Diggs said. “It means a lot. We service a lot of neighborhoods that really struggle without a storm. To sponsor this kind f event means a lot.”
Cars started lining up early this morning in the front parking lot. Cecelia Hernandez was first in line with her teenaged son. She had just moved to North Fort Myers three months ago.
“We got here around 8. We thought there was going to be a big line, but we ended up being the first one,” Hernandez said. “We’re thankful for the help. We didn’t have power for a week and no food. We just need the basics like water and food.”
Spicker reported that more than 4,000 hot meals were served on the day and $35,000 in supplies contributed by the Dolphins was distributed.
As a special thank you to the North High athletes that volunteered to help with the effort Tuesday, the Dolphins have invited them to Sunday’s game in Miami and will bus the students to and from the game. The students will also be treated to a pre-game tailgate lunch.