Bubba the Love Sponge helps couple in need

Saturday, October 10, 2009

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Bubba says he wanted to help the Haskells.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A wheelchair-bound couple moved into a hotel this weekend instead of a homeless shelter.

Syndicated radio host Bubba the Love Sponge donated $979.77 to Rachael and Rhoden Haskell, quadriplegics with no way to access their fourth floor St. Petersburg condominium.

The only elevator in their building needs a state mandated upgrade, which is expected to take at least one month.

Bubba, who can be heard locally on 102.5, The Bone, knew about the situation and had previously discussed the issue on his radio show.

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He decided to write a check to help the Haskells live temporarily at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Largo.

"Bubba the Love Sponge Foundation is paying for their stay, however long it is," said Bubba. "We're also buying them some groceries from Publix and bringing them gift cards. Just because they're handicapped people that aren't looking for a payout."

The Haskells said they are very grateful for the help.

"We'd probably have to stay at a shelter," said Rachael Haskell. "That probably wouldn't be accessible for us, because we have real particular needs."

"You know, Bubba the Love Sponge isn't this big bad fat loudmouth guy all the time," said Bubba. "I do some nice stuff every once in awhile. Regardless if it got any coverage from you guys or not, I was going to do it anyway."

According to the Haskells, their condo association refused to waive maintenance fees during the elevator repairs.

They say they will continue to pay their mortgage while the repairs are underway.

Watch Bay News 9's entire interview with Bubba the Love Sponge exclusively on Bay News 9 On Demand channel 342. Look in the BN9 News section, then select the News Stories category.

Contact Information

The Bubba the Love Sponge Foundation

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