Fernando Gonzalez Hosts Fund Raiser For Chilean Earthquake Victims

(March 5, 2010) Haunted by television images of earthquake victims in his home country, Fernando Gonzalezhas gone to work aiding relief efforts in Chile.

Gonzalez is a devoted Davis Cup player and Olympic gold medalist for Chile. While Gonzalez will play for his country in this weekend's Davis Cup tie against visiting Israel and he's already spent time working to raise money for victims of Saturday's 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Chile.

Gonzalez endured a travel odyssey from Acapulco, where he played last week's ATP event, back home to Chile. He appeared at a fund raiser at Coquimbo’s gym last night and will play for Chile in tomorrow's opening day of play on the red clay of the Enjoy Tennis Center in Coquimbo.

"About Davis Cup, is tough to speak. It’s uncomfortable to play when people have problems," Gonzalez said. "Last three nights I couldn’t sleep and always remembered the TV images of destruction at south of Chile. But it’s tough to change a Davis Cup. No dates available. If we can win against Israel, we can give a little happiness to our people.Thanks for all. It’s time to help our brothers in south. We can wake up our country."