| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 31, 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 official 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.
- Comcast ($700,000)
- UnitedHealth Group ($500,000)
- AT&T ($75,000)
- Florida Harley-Davidson Dealers Association ($66,000)
- Capital Health Plan ($50,000)
- Molina Healthcare ($50,000)
- AmeriSourceBergen Corporation ($35,000)
- Levi Strauss ($25,000)
- Florida Blue ($20,000)
Governor Scott said, “As our state continues to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael, we are grateful for the generosity that we’ve seen from so many who want to help. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide critical relief for our families. On behalf of every family who was impacted by this storm, we thank these companies for their compassion.”
David Mica, Jr., chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, said, “Volunteer Florida is proud of our long-standing commitment to helping Floridians after disasters, during both initial response and long-term recovery. We are grateful that our partners in the business community are joining us in this effort. Their contributions to the Florida Disaster Fund will help provide essential services, like tarping and tree removal, in the coming weeks and even months.”
Amy Smith, regional senior vice president of Comcast, said, ““It’s heartbreaking to see the destruction and damage caused by Hurricane Michael across the Florida Panhandle, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted. Comcast has a long history of serving communities and people throughout the state of Florida, and we are committed to supporting relief and restoration efforts across the Panhandle during this challenging time.”
David S. Wichmann, chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group, said, “We are deeply concerned for the people affected by Hurricane Michael, and by supporting the Florida Disaster Fund, we hope to ensure Floridians affected by this storm recover as quickly as possible. We are working closely with local public health officials to mobilize our care delivery teams to ensure the people affected by the storm have access to the care they need.”
Joe York, president of AT&T Florida, said, “Responses to local tragedies takes many forms, from restoring services that people depend on daily, rebuilding homes and businesses and a need to ensure that basic human needs are available in the impacted areas. AT&T’s contribution of $75,000 to the Florida Disaster Relief Fund will augment the overall rebuilding efforts by providing opportunities to have a positive impact on the lives of affected Floridians.”
Gil Gibson, president of Florida Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, said, “The Florida Harley-Davidson Dealers Association (FHDDA) and its dealer’s rallied riders to help raise money through custom tee-shirts sales. We began our efforts shortly after Irma, but we hope that our donation will help those affected by Hurricane Michael.”
Mike Jones, president of Molina Healthcare of Florida, said, “Molina Healthcare is proud to support those affected by Hurricane Michael and believes in the vision and values of Volunteer Florida. When natural disasters or tragedies strike, it’s a privilege to extend a helping hand.”
Gina Clark, president of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation, said, “The AmerisourceBergen Foundation is committed to improving the health and well being of patient populations around the world. As our neighbors in Florida begin to face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in the wake of Hurricane Michael, we remain dedicated to serving as a partner to Volunteer Florida in order to help bolster ongoing relief efforts and work together to expand access to quality care.”
Pat Geraghty, chief executive officer of Florida Blue, said, “While the storm itself has passed, the suffering felt by residents in Northwest Florida will have a lasting impact. Our employees, members, friends and families have all been affected by this terrible storm. We are committed to doing all we can to aid in the recovery while helping to bring a sense of normalcy back to the community we serve.”
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
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.