Hank Aaron Remembered As A Philanthropist

January 26th, 2021

In 1973 Hank Aaron hosted testing sites and bowling contests for sickle cell. Pictured with the late Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia founders Dr. Nelson McGhee (Middle) and Dr. Delutha King (Right).

Ron Loving

Deb McGhee-McCrary is the CEO of the state’s Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Hank Aaron was a strong supporter.

It was Aaron who provided the seed money to help the Foundation get started nearly five decades ago.

McGhee-McCrary recalled for “Morning Edition” host Lisa Rayam how the Hall of Famer’s support for the Sickle cell Foundation was unwavering.

The SCFG Mobile Unit, which was partially purchased with the financial assistance of Hank Aaron. (Maria White Tillman/WABE)

Also, McGhee-McCrary said via the organization’s media release statement:

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. joins the nation in mourning the passing of our national treasure, Henry “Hank” Aaron, our long-time advocate and board (emeritus) member. His homegoing precedes the organization’s anniversary gala at which Mr. Aaron had agreed to appear. While he was a legend on the baseball field, many may not know that Mr. Aaron was a generous benefactor (a family trait) and a huge fan of bowling. Indeed, as a friend of our founders, Mr. Aaron hosted countless celebrity-backed fundraisers with Pro-Am Bowling on our behalf. It was his kindness, too, that donated the Foundation’s first mobile clinic. On a personal note, my prayers are with the entire Aaron family – especially Gaile, Hankie, Dorinda, Larry, Alfreida, and Ms. Barbara. He is home. He is well. He is at peace.”

The first of two services honoring the life of legend Hank Aaron is set for Tuesday.