Friday, October 7, 2011

$30,000 Grant Received from Newman's Own Foundation

Funds to Support Community Sheltering Initiative

The Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley Region of the American Red Cross today announced that it received a $30,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the private foundation started by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. The grant will be used to support a community sheltering initiative being undertaken by the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross to address needs that were identified during the response to Tropical Storm Irene.

“The Newman’s Own Foundation grant is not only a generous gift, but is given with the recognition that Irene can serve as a learning opportunity and will help strengthen American Red Cross services in the future,” said Larry Crist, Regional Executive for the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross.

The community sheltering initiative that these grant funds will support builds upon the vital role of the American Red Cross to help individuals and communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. The project, in recognition of our region’s historic self reliance, will provide each community with equipment and training necessary to meet their emergency sheltering needs when weather, road or other conditions prevent access to a Red Cross shelter.

“Newman’s Own Foundation salutes the tremendous strength and resolve of Vermonters and their nonprofit organizations in responding to the devastation from Irene,” said Lisa Walker, Vermont native and managing director of Newman’s Own Foundation. “We are proud to support the Vermont & the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross and the important work they are doing.”