Red Cross Reaches $50 Million Mark on Its Way to Fundraising Goal

Today the American Red Cross reached the halfway mark in its efforts to raise $100 million through its Campaign for Disaster Relief, which was launched in September to replenish the organization's Disaster Relief Fund.

"This is a challenging time for fundraising, especially with the number of disasters we've had this year and the country facing some tough economic conditions. But we've been inspired to see so many generous donors step forward to help the Red Cross," said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the Red Cross.

In addition to the thousands of donations from the American public, the following corporations have donated $1 million or more to the Hurricanes of 2008 and the Disaster Relief Fund to help the Red Cross meet its goal:

• BG Group plc
• BP
• ExxonMobil
• Lowe's Companies, Inc.
• Shell and Motiva
• Total S.A.
• Valero Energy Foundation

This has been an extremely busy disaster year --- including widespread tornadoes, the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years, an early wildfire season, and an active hurricane season. The Red Cross relies on the Disaster Relief Fund to mobilize volunteers and resources to help communities throughout the United States.

One way in which the Disaster Relief Fund is built up is through the Annual Disaster Giving Program. Members of this program pledge donations to the Disaster Relief Fund on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters. Their support helps the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.

People can join the Annual Disaster Giving Program members in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:

• American Express
• AT&T
• AXA Foundation
• ConAgra Foods
• FedEx Corporation
• JCPenney Company Fund
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Merck & Co, Inc.
• Morgan Stanley
• Raytheon Company
• State Farm
• State Street Foundation
• Target
• The TJX Companies, Inc.

The American Red Cross:

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

SOURCE American Red Cross