Over $1 Million Pours Into Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund

MONTGOMERY – Leading corporate citizens answered the call to help Alabamians in need with $1,210,000 in the first wave of donations to the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, Governor Robert Bentley said today.

“I am humbled and am grateful at the levels of leadership giving provided by these caring corporate citizens,” Governor Bentley said. “Alabamians need help, and there are certain needs that can only be met through funds like this.”

“The generosity of these companies should shine as a bright light to all of us, showing what giving hearts can achieve. These gifts will reach down to our communities and our neighbors and help them in this time of desperate need.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama made the first commitment, pledging $175,000 the day the Fund was created. Walter Energy followed quickly with $250,000.

Other corporate contributors include: BP $200,000, HealthSouth, $125,000; Great Southern Wood $100,000, AT&T, $75,000; Maynard, Cooper and Gale, $50,000; U.S. Steel, $50,000; State Farm Insurance, $50,000; Farmers Insurance, $50,000, Navistar, $50,000; Weyerhaeuser, $20,000; and Protective Life Insurance, $15,000.

Including the Blue Cross Blue Shield contribution, the insurance industry has contributed $290,000 to the Fund, a fact not lost upon the chairs of the legislative committees that oversee insurance issues.

“This is an important investment in the people of Alabama at a crucial time,” said Rep. Mike Hill, chair of the House Insurance Committee. “In addition to handling claims from their policyholders, they are reaching out to help meet needs that go beyond insurance, federal aid and traditional charitable assistance. We are grateful for their generosity.”

“The generosity of these insurance companies, and all of these companies, for that matter, will get the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund off to a great start,” said Sen. Slade Blackwell, chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. “In times of need, it’s important for leaders to step forward, and we appreciate these companies taking on this role.”

The purpose of the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund to is provide help to Alabamians who have  exhausted all other avenues of disaster relief, such as FEMA, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and any other disaster relief programs. It may receive donations from individuals, businesses and organizations.

“We appreciate our corporate citizens getting behind this effort,” Governor Bentley said. “With widespread devastation across the State, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund to do good work. Whether you are a large corporation, a small business, or an individual, we all have a role to play in this recovery and renewal.”

The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives administers the Fund. The United Ways of Alabama serve as the fiscal agent. Donations to the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund are tax deductible and can be made by clicking www.servealabama.gov.