MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Kerry Gibson, wife of West Virginia Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson, is leading a group of Mountaineer football coaches' wives in a fundraising effort to raise money for victims of recent natural disasters.
 
"Giving Beyond the Game" is the fundraising initiative started by TCU head coach Gary Patterson's wife, Kelsey, and includes more than 20 football coaches' wives from across the nation in a response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. This effort specifically raises money for the Houston Food Bank, Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Response Team, Feeding South Florida and International Medical Corps.
 
Each school involved has donated signed helmets for an online auction and online donations can be made as well.
 
"The Mountaineer wives are passionate, not only for their state and its people, but for people across the country as well," Kerry Gibson said. "Kelsey Patterson came up with this wonderful idea to help those affected by the disasters in Florida and Texas. We want to do our part by getting involved and supporting those who have a need. We are hopeful the helmets, especially the West Virginia ones, will help raise a significant amount for this great cause."
 
In Morgantown and in their home state, the Gibson's have shown tremendous support through donations and volunteering their time.
 
In the past five years, the Gibson's gave a gift to help build the Boone County Hospital. They also put on a Christmas Gala last year to ensure the residents of Tony's hometown, who coal miners who were unemployed, were able to provide Christmas to their families, and he and Mountaineer football players also regularly visit the patients at WVU Medicine Children's Hospital. The Gibson's additionally give them support at the annual fundraising Gala for WVU Medicine Children's.
 
The website (www.givingbeyondthegame.org) and Facebook page launched Friday, September 29. The online donation form will be available through December 9. The on-line auction will launch on November 1 at noon and run through 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2017.