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

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, October 22, 2008 — 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. Support the Campaign for Disaster Relief by logging on to redcross.org or calling 1-800 RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.