The Walt Disney Co., and its ABC television station in Houston, KTRK, jointly announced Tuesday a $1 million cash commitment to the American Red Cross to support recovery efforts benefiting communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Additionally, Disney’s ABC Television Group on Thursday will host a “Day of Giving,” using all Television Group platforms to urge donations to the Red Cross.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together…”
In Santa Monica, MusiCares, the philanthropic arm of the Recording Academy, announced the establishment of a relief fund to support members of the music community affected by Harvey.
Assistance will include basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities and transportation; medical expenses, including doctor and hospital bills, and medications; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; home repairs; and debris removal, according to the charity.
“Now is a time when we must come together and take care of those who need help, as we are only just beginning to understand how life-altering Hurricane Harvey will be for its victims and their communities,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. “It’s important that we step up and support the creative community, and take action to provide immediate assistance to members of our music family.”
The Recording Academy has also implemented a Hurricane Harvey employee donation program, which matches donations made by its staff dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000.
At Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores in Southern California, hurricane relief donations from customers are being accepted through Sept. 9 at special- marketed coin boxes located at the checkstands. All monies collected will be forwarded directly to the American Red Cross for relief efforts tied to the hurricane that has battered southeast Texas this week, company officials said.
“Our customers and associates have always responded generously to help those in need, particularly when disaster strikes,” said Valerie Jabbar, president of Los Angeles-based Ralphs. “Every contribution will help the Red Cross provide emergency assistance to the victims of this devastating storm.”
The charitable arm of the supermarkets’ parent company, The Kroger Co., is making a $100,000 commitment to the Houston Food Bank. And Ralphs and Food 4 Less are also inviting their 30,000 associates to join the cause, as well as support fellow Kroger associates in the Houston area affected by the storm, through Helping Hands, an internal fundraising effort, according to company officials.
–City News Service