FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2017
CONTACT: Erin VanSickle
evansickle@volunteerflorida.org

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida today thanked the Volkswagen Group of America for donating $300,000 to support hurricane recovery efforts in Florida and Puerto Rico. The Volkswagen Group of America Foundation, created by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., will donate $150,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund in support of the Hurricane Irma relief efforts in Florida and $150,000 to United for Puerto Rico to assist those impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Florida Disaster Fund is Florida’s official private fund to assist Floridians impacted by disasters; United for Puerto Rico is Puerto Rico’s official private fund established by the First lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló.

“Volkswagen would like to express its thoughts and concerns to those affected by the catastrophic storms, including our employees, dealers, customers and their families,” said David Geanacopoulos, Senior Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Public Policy, Volkswagen Group of America. “We appreciate the recovery efforts of volunteers working tirelessly to provide aid throughout Florida and Puerto Rico during this time.”

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is committed to rebuilding our communities impacted by Hurricane Irma and supporting our friends and neighbors in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. We are truly appreciative of every volunteer donating their time and the many contributions of private-sector partners, like Volkswagen Group of America, from across the nation.”

“Volunteer Florida is grateful for the support of the Volkswagen Group of America Foundation,” said Vivian Myrtetus, Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer. “This donation will provide tremendous support to disaster relief organizations in Florida and Puerto Rico and help families, businesses, and communities recover as quickly as possible.”

The donations will support the Florida Disaster Fund’s and United for Puerto Rico’s disaster relief efforts, helping residents access food, shelter and other necessities. Additionally, Volkswagen will provide matching funds to employee donations made to either organization or other charities in support of communities impacted by Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey, in accordance with VWGoA matching guidelines.

The Volkswagen Group of America Foundation has contributed a total of $450,000 to support disaster recovery in 2017, including a donation to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

About the Florida Disaster Fund:

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax deductible. Donations may be made by credit card on the secure website www.floridadisasterfund.org or by check to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund – Irma” in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL  32311

For additional questions about the Florida Disaster Fund, please contact info@volunteerflorida.org or call (850) 414-7400.

About United For Puerto Rico:

United for Puerto Rico is an initiative of the First lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, to provide aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María. For more information on how to donate, visit UnitedForPuertoRico.com.

About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.:

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. VWGoA operates a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company’s headquarters are in Herndon, Va. The company has approximately 6,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a network of approximately 1,000 dealers. The Volkswagen Group of America Foundation, founded in 2001, was formed by the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., to make grants to charitable organizations, including those that provide disaster relief.