On May 25, an F-5 tornado, packing winds in excess of 200 mph, destroyed a small town of 1,900 in Parkersburg, Iowa. The monstrous three-quarters of a mile wide twister needed just 34 seconds to kill six people and demolish the pride and joy of this community: the Aplington-Parkersburg High School, which has produced four active NFL players, fifth most of any high school in the nation.

Casey Weigmann (Denver Broncos), Brad Meester (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Jared DeVries (Detroit Lions) gathered in nearby Cedar Falls on Sunday to help raise money to rebuild the school’s athletic program. The fourth A-P alumni, Aaron Kampman (Green Bay Packers) was detained during a trip to Africa, and was unable to attend the fundraiser.

The NFL players signed autographs, while “Together We Will” T-shirts and “AP Falcons Tornado Relief” hats were sold.

The fundraiser also included a silent auction for signed football jerseys and helmets, as well as signed photos by NFL players and other celebrities.  

During a live auction, a Miley Cyrus guitar was sold for $10,000, while the second-highest bidder offered $8,000 to buy another. A Brett Favre autographed jersey brought in $3,100.

“I just think it shows that people care, people have big hearts.” DeVries said. “It’s a very tough time for the community, and they’re willing to do whatever they can do.”

Jaguars center Brad Meester delivered a check of $90,000. $32,000 came from Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, while the remaining $58,000 was raised through hat sales on Jaguars.com, and donations from some of Meester’s Jaguar teammates.

The NFL charity program will match every player donation up to $5,000.

“I heard that there would be quite a few people here, but when we walked up and saw a huge line, that meant a lot,” Meester said. “Just knowing that everyone was coming here to help raise some money and support this program. That means a lot.”

The players had hoped to raise $100,000 at the fundraiser, although the final total was reportedly close to $200,000.

Construction on a new high school is expected to begin August 1.

SOURCES: ESPN & KWWL - Iowa's News Channel

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Nick Kappel is a staff member for the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey.

He can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network's Author Profiles

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