| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 5, 2018 |
MEDIA CONTACT |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida thanked the following businesses for their generous donations to the Florida Disaster Fund, which was activated by Governor Scott to aid those impacted by Hurricane Michael. The Florida Disaster Fund, administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation, is the State of Florida’s private fund established to assist Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, visit www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf or text “DISASTER” to 20222 to make a one-time $10 donation.
- Verizon
- Chevron
- Volkswagen Group of America
- Shell
- The Mosaic Company
- WellCare Health Plans
- Southwest Airlines
- Florida Blue*
- Whataburger
*This is Florida Blue’s second donation to the Florida Disaster Fund since Hurricane Michael made landfall.
Governor Scott said, “In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, I’ve witnessed people coming together to help their neighbors. These donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are another example of that kindness. While our state continues to recover from this devastating storm, we are thankful for everyone who has contributed to help our families.”
David Mica, Jr., chief executive officer at Volunteer Florida, said, “Our partner organizations and volunteers are still on the ground, working around the clock to help the people of the Panhandle recover from Hurricane Michael. Volunteer Florida appreciates the businesses that have donated to the Florida Disaster Fund, committing to support these groups and individuals, while helping us fulfill our mission to make Florida a better place for all to live.”
Tami Erwin, operations leader at Verizon Wireless, said, “Our primary goal is to restore our network to 100%, and make it stronger than before. As that work continues, Verizon supports the Florida Disaster Relief Fund’s work on the ground, starting the critical work or rebuilding our communities.”
Dale Walsh, president at Chevron Americas Products, said, “Hurricane Michael has taken a devastating toll. The communities will come back stronger than ever, but in the meantime, there are families who are struggling. We are making this donation to help get these families the immediate assistance they need as they put their lives back together.”
David Geanacopoulos, senior executive vice president for public affairs and public policy at Volkswagen Group of America, said, “VWGoA expresses its deepest thoughts and concerns for those affected by this catastrophic storm, including our employees, dealers, customers and their families. We appreciate all that the Volunteer Florida network and fellow volunteers are doing to help provide relief to Floridians during this rebuilding time.”
Frazier Wilson, vice president of Shell Oil Company Foundation, said, “We understand the importance of ongoing support as communities continue to recover from significant events like Hurricane Michael. By partnering with organizations like Volunteer Florida, families and communities in the most impacted areas will continue to receive the resources needed to return stronger and recover faster.”
Rhonda Mims, executive vice president and chief public affairs officer at WellCare Health and president of the WellCare Community Foundation, said, “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Michael. While the storm has passed, there is still work to be done. We are committed to supporting community organizations helping those impacted by the storms access needed care and services that are so critical to overall health and well-being.”
Linda Rutherford, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Southwest Airlines, said, “We are committed to helping the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Michael through our support of the Florida Disaster Fund. Our Hearts go out to those affected as the rebuilding efforts get underway.”
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.
How to Donate
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.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf or by check to the below address.
Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.
Volunteer Florida Foundation
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.
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Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state, and also serves as Florida’s lead agency for coordinating donations and mobilizing volunteers before, during and after disasters. For more information, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org.