Micheel starts relief fund for Tennessee tornado victims

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MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Shaun Micheel, the 2003 PGA champion, and his wife Stephanie have created a relief fund benefiting Union University in Jackson, Tenn. The university suffered severe damage during the recent tornadoes that ravaged many southern states, killing at least 58 people and causing millions of dollars worth of damage.

The school's president says the estimated damages from the storm, which devastated 40 percent of the dorms and severely damaged three academic buildings, could reach $40 million.

Micheel has pledged a donation of $500 for every birdie he makes during this week's PGA TOUR event, the Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

"I think most people are charitable and want to help when something tragic like this happens," said Micheel. "Stephanie and I are very thankful to be in a position to help the students at Union University."

Those who wish to contribute to the relief fund can make a donation in person at any Wachovia bank branch or by mailing a check made payable to the Shaun and Stephanie Micheel Union University Disaster Relief Fund to Wachovia Germantown East Financial Center; 9301 Poplar Avenue; Germantown, Tenn., 38138.