The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has announced the creation of the Drake Relays Rex Harvey Endowment to annually support an invitational event at the Drake Relays in honor of Rex Harvey.
 
The endowment honors longtime Drake Relays official and referee Rex Harvey. Known in the track and field community for his athletic achievements and his leadership on the USATF Masters Committee, Harvey had been a steadfast, loyal and generous supporter of the Drake Relays for decades before his sudden death in December 2019.
 
Masters-level competition, which features athletes age 35 and older, enjoys a rich history at the Drake Relays, and the Rex Harvey Endowment secures that history and tradition for future generations. The endowment will be used to provide Drake Relays leadership with the ability to support any Masters event or athletes to improve the competition's quality and vitality. 
 
"Rex made a significant and lasting impact on the Drake Relays as a decathlete, official and leader.  His passion was contagious and his contributions are countless," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "The momentum of the gifts was overwhelming and a testament to how many people cared deeply for Rex.  Special thanks to the Drake Relays Committee for their generosity and Jerry Bookin-Weiner for his effort to connect the Drake Relays with the USATF Masters Track and Field community."
 
The fund began with an initial gift from Joan Harvey, Rex's widow, and friends and family. The track and field community eagerly rallied behind the cause and additional gifts funded the endowment to allow investment and interest utilized in perpetuity.
 
"Rex's death was a tremendous loss for the organization," said USA Track & Field CEO Max Siegel. "His unwavering passion and tireless commitment as a volunteer leader were evident in every aspect of the sport that he touched. Without a doubt, this endowment to benefit Masters athletes will serve as a lasting legacy to Rex."
 
Gifts to the Drake Relays Rex Harvey Endowment will be accepted online, over the phone or through the mail. To make a gift online, visit https://alumni.drake.edu/giveonline and in the Give To section choose "Other" and type in "Drake Relays Rex Harvey Endowment." To make a gift over the phone, please call 515-271-2228. Gifts by check (payable to Drake University with Harvey Endowment in memo) can be sent to the Drake Relay's Office at 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.