Gators helping Wuerffel rebuild ministry after Katrina

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) The University of Florida is helping Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel rebuild his New Orleans-based ministry following Hurricane Katrina.<br> <br> The University Athletic Association pledged $50,000 in proceeds from its pay-per-view football telecast against Louisiana Tech on Saturday to Desire Street Ministries.<br> <br> Wuerffel, who led the Gators to the 1996 national championship and won the Heisman that year, is the director of development at Desire Street Ministries. The organization provides health, housing, economic development, education and recreation to disadvantaged children around the Desire neighborhood.<br> <br> The ministry was badly damaged when Katrina roared ashore last week. The hurricane claimed lives and spread destruction along the Gulf Coast. Breaks in New Orleans&#39; levees left the city defenseless against disastrous flooding.<br> <br> Wuerffel left New Orleans before the hurricane hit and worked from his hometown of Destin in the Florida Panhandle.<br> <br> His top priorities now are to supply clothing and shelter for the displaced staff members, their families and the students at Desire Street.<br> <br> Wuerffel had a brief NFL career, playing for the New Orleans Saints and then reuniting with former Florida coach Steve Spurrier in Washington before retiring from football and ministering on a full-time basis.<br> <br> The university also donated $75,000 in proceeds from its pay-per-view telecast against Wyoming to the American Red Cross to assist those affected by Katrina.<br> <br> On the Net: http://www.desirestreet.org<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)