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Tallahassee—The Volunteer Florida Foundation today thanked AT&T for its generous donation to the Florida Disaster Fund, which was activated earlier today by Governor Rick Scott. The Florida Disaster Fund helps Floridians who have been impacted by disasters by providing a mechanism for businesses and individuals who seek to support local recovery efforts.

“Florida is a big state, but when tragedy strikes as it did in the Southeast last week, not only does our state pull together but Americans come together to assist our communities in need,” said Joe York, President, AT&T Florida.  “AT&T stands with Floridians as we step up and support relief and recovery efforts with a $20,000 donation to the Florida Disaster Fund.”

“The Florida Disaster Fund is one of the most effective ways that the Volunteer Florida Foundation can support the local organizations that serve families and individuals impacted by the flooding,” said Chester Spellman, Executive Director of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, which administers the Florida Disaster Fund. “We are grateful for AT&T’s support as we look toward ongoing recovery efforts.”

“We appreciate the leadership of Gov. Rick Scott and the work of the Volunteer Florida Foundation in bringing resources to the Florida panhandle,” continued York. “AT&T is committed to being part of the effort to ensure that all the victims of last week’s disaster and their families will be cared for.”

In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Volunteer Florida Foundation supports response and recovery activities through the Florida Disaster Fund.  In a disaster, donations offered through the Florida Disaster Fund are subgranted to eligible disaster relief organizations. Eligible applicants include long-term recovery organizations and other non-profits, both faith-based and secular.

The Florida Disaster Fund is managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation. To make a contribution to help flood victims through the fund, please visit http://www.volunteerflorida.org/floridadisasterfund/.

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Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers and donations in a disaster; and inspires all Floridians to serve their communities. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.

The Volunteer Florida Foundation is a non-profit charity established, organized and operated as a direct support organization to assist the Florida Commission on Community Service, Volunteer Florida.  The Foundation raises funds to aid the Commission in accomplishing its goals of meeting important human needs in Florida.  The Foundation’s activities are guided by a voluntary Board of Directors. The Foundation also supports special Governor’s initiatives including Florida’s Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and awards honoring our state’s outstanding volunteers, veterans and educators.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2014
CONTACT:  Erin VanSickle, 850.339.3184