Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's charitable foundation, the Tua Foundation, is raising money for victims of the fire that has ravished the Hawaiian island of Maui this month.

A massive fire erupted on Maui on August 8. Before that, the National Weather Service warned for days presented dangerous conditions for a wildfire. 

As of Monday evening, the official death toll from the fire was 96. According to reports, it has already been named one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history over the last century. Officials tasked the Hawaii National Guard to help local law enforcement assist those in need.

Nevertheless, the damage caused by the wildfires is expected to cost billions. Moreover, over 4,000 residents will require emergency shelter.

During a press conference on Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told the media that the Biden administration had "no comment" when asked about the president's response to the disaster. As the fires ravished the Hawiann island, President Joe Biden spent the weekend vacationing in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Jean-Pierre later told a reporter that the president was "deeply concerned" and pointed to the 300 FEMA personnel deployed to the island.

The Tua Foundation launched a new campaign to raise funds to support those affected by the fires on August 11. 

Tagovailoa, often referred to simply as "Tua," is a native of Hawaii. He led the Crimson Tide to victory in the 2018 National Championship after he replaced quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second half, completing a 41-yard touchdown pass in overtime to win the game against the Georgia Bulldogs. 

The Miami Dolphins selected Tagovailoa as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He launched the Tau Foundation in 2021. It is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting youth initiatives. 

Aside from helping victims of the Maui wildfires, the foundation has also rewarded grants to several youth-oriented organizations in Alabama and around the country, including Springvilles's Big Oak Ranch, a Christian children's home founded by fellow former Alabama football star John Croyle.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families," Tagovaila told the press on Wednesday after practice. "I have a couple of friends that live on Maui that spent a lot of time on Oahu because they work on Oahu and they go back and forth to their families. But just a lot of prayers and thoughts going out to those families out there."

As of Wednesday, the foundation had already raised over $76,000 through almost 600 supporters. It has a target of $100,000.

Those who wish to contribute to the foundation in support of the victims of the Maui wildfire can donate through the JustGiving website. 

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email will.blakely@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.

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