CONNERSVILLE, Ind. — Residents of Connersville have rallied behind the family of Butler star forward Matt Howard, raising about $10,000 to send 10 of his relatives to see him try to lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA men's basketball championship.
Howard's father, Stan, delivers mail to 700 homes in the city of 13,000 in eastern Indiana where he lives with his wife, Linda.
A week's fundraising is helping cover the cost of sending his parents, five sisters and three of his four brothers to the NCAA Final Four in Houston. His other brother, Tim Howard, is staying home with his pregnant wife.
Connersville Mayor Leonard Urban proclaimed Thursday as "Howard Family Community Day," and family members road a fire truck for a parade to a courthouse rally.
Butler beat Virginia Commonwealth 70-62 on Saturday with help from Matt Howard's 17 points.
Butler faces Connecticut in Monday's championship game.
As Stan Howard walked his delivery route on Wednesday, many people came forward with good wishes — and more.
Jan Cox stepped from behind her storm door and swapped an envelope for her mail, The Indianapolis Star reported.
"Here's a little check for you and your family," Cox said.
Cordia Nunn missed Howard when he worked her side of the street. She stepped out of her home, crossed the street as he made his way down the other side. She wore slippers, and her shoulders were hunched against the 32-degree cold and swirling snow. She held a bill in her hand.
"Hope they win," she said, giving Howard the money and a hug.
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