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Red Cross funds riseBy PHYLLIS CODLINGAmericans pulled together in a big way during the past few weeks to help an old friend-the American Red Cross.The Red Cross found its disaster relief fund in the red by $94million after Hurricane Hugo. Hurricane Jerry and the San Francisco Bay area earthquake struck all within weeks of each other.But as of December 4, after a vigorous fund-raising campaign fueled by efforts from corpora tions, celebrities and Red Cross chapters all over the country, the relief organization has raised more than $98 million, leaving $4 million in operating funds to finish the 1989-90 fiscal year, said Diane Powers, a spokesman at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.The funds were raised within two months. Powers said, “and that is the most money that the American Red Cross has ever raised during peacetime in that short of time.“We want to let people know that we are going to be able to meet all of the needs (generated by the three disasters) because of this generosity,” Powers said. “I think the hurricanes followed so swiftly by the earthquake really did spell out for people what the need was. and because televi-sion and our communications mecha nisms have gotten to be so good, people could see firsthand just what the need was and were willing to come forth and help us out.”Disaster relief expenses for victims of Hurricane Hugo in the Caribbean and the Carolinas totaled $72 million, making it the costliest disaster in the Red Cross’ 108-year history. Expenses forCalifornia earthquake victims have reached $16 million, while expenses for those in Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama hit by Hurricane Jerry totaledINOR WALK NEWS (USPS 002 • 475)A Brooks Community Publication Published Weekly P.O. Box 1049 Norwalk, CT 06856 Phone (203) 838-6043Second Class Postage Paid at I Westport, CT 06880And at additional mailing office Postmaster Send address changes to theI Norwalk NewsP.O. Box 1049 Norwalk, CT 06856$6 million.With the money, the Red Cross has operated 808 shelters, providing haven for 188,458 people; served more than 12.5 million meals; and given financial assistance to142,576 families and individuals.When the call went out that the Red Cross needed help, not only did private individuals respond. but corporations and celebrities also answered with contributions.More than $17.5 million was raised by 69 corporations. Among the largest contributors were Burger King, which donated $3 million; Anheuser Busch, $1,025,000;Hanson Industries North America, $1 million; Chevron, $600.000; General Motors, Pacific Gas and Electric, Shell Oil, and SanwaBank. $500,000each; IBM,$460,000; and USFG, $400,000. Locally, General Electric donated $250,000 to the cause.Actor Paul Newman donated $350,000 and 10,000 pounds of hisspaghetti sauce; talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Geraldo Rivera helped raise $2.4 million and $1 million, respectively ; and Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones donated $500,000 from the proceeds of their Steel Wheels concert tour.Concert promoter Bill Graham donated $1 million and raised an additional $1 million for various organizations, including the Red Cross, during a rock’n’rollmarathon concert featuring stars like Bobby McFerrin and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.Nearly $500,000 was raised during a Showtime cable telethon hosted by Bill HarrisHelping all the hurricane victims return to normal lives will take the Red Cross more than a year, while aid to earthquake victims probably will continue well into the new year. Powers said.“In California, there were lots of people w ho had other places to go [ if they could not return to their homes],” she said “In South Carolina, that wasn't the case A lot of families just don’t haveanywhere else to go“Also, there are many more people in South Carolina who live in rural communities that have been difficult to access That slows down the cleanup efforts, and therefore it takes longer for them to be able to go back home,” Powers said.Although the Red Cross has met its disaster costs, contribu tions to help with future needs are being accepted Those wishing to donate to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund may call 1 -800-453-9000 or contact the Norwalk-Wilton chapter ofthe American Red Cross at 847-5847.
Newspaper Details
Norwalk News
Norwalk, Connecticut, US
Wed, Dec 20, 1989
Page 6
Full Page
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KY, USA 04 Apr 2022
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