$25,000 donation will assist American Red Cross recovery efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has donated $25,000 to support the American Red Cross and its Hurricane Michael relief efforts as it helps residents of the Florida Panhandle and other affected areas recover.
“The impact of this storm across the Florida Panhandle has been overwhelming. And we’re still getting reports of damage in other states,” said Roy Vaughn, executive director of the foundation. “As the recovery efforts begin, we hope these funds will bring relief and hope to those who have lost so much.”
Hurricane Michael formed as a tropical storm and quickly evolved to a strong hurricane with winds of 155 miles per hour, just shy of a Category 5 classification. It is the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Florida Panhandle, and it has claimed at least 18 lives. The storm also caused power outages across six states and left a path of devastation extending from Georgia through the Carolinas to Virginia.
“This generous donation from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will allow the American Red Cross to continue providing assistance, food and shelter to the thousands of people impacted by the destruction of Hurricane Michael,” said Lori Marsh, regional philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross.
Along with the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal, state and local agencies are working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected residents.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Places program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.