|
by Aleksandrs
Rozens
September 19, 2005;
5:33 PM
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- In the three weeks
since Hurricane Katrina and its floods created watery havoc in U.S. Gulf
states, Americans have donated just over $1 billion to charities aiding
families displaced by the disaster.
That pace of giving exceeds the rate in the two weeks following
the Sept. 11 attacks on America, and in the two and half weeks after
2004's massive tsunami.
Contributions surged on events
such as the call by President Bush last week for Americans to support the
relief efforts, as well as numerous televised events featuring musicians
and celebrities, according to those involved.
"We have seen spikes in giving
based off of those things (television telethons for Katrina families),"
said Melissa Temme, spokeswoman for The Salvation Army.
Stacy Palmer, editor of The
Chronicle of Philanthropy, believes the total amount of donations could
eventually hit $2 billion.
"It is definitely possible. It
depends on what the government decides to do and how much more money is
needed from the private sector," said Palmer. "A lot of people wait until
they are asked by a role model. Celebrities are very good at encouraging
people to give to causes."
The bulk of donations are
going to the American Red Cross, which as of midday Monday had collected
$762.5 million, while the Salvation Army garnered $85.7 million, according
to Palmer. An initiative started by former U.S. Presidents George H. W.
Bush and Bill Clinton has attracted $100 million in donations, Palmer
said.
Among the celebrities to offer
individual donations, actor George Clooney has given $1 million to the
United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund, courtroom thriller writer John
Grisham has given $5 million to a relief fund he and his wife set up to
aid Mississippi residents, and hip hop star Jay Z has given $1 million to
the Red Cross.
Palmer estimated that roughly
half of the $1 billion collected for those displaced by Katrina comes from
corporations, and half from individuals.
So far, the largest corporate
donation has come from Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the retail giant, which has
given $15 million to the Bush-Clinton effort. The Walton family, which
owns a majority of the retailer, donated another $15 million.
Other corporate donations have
come from Exxon Mobil Corp., which staked $7 million to the charities, and
General Electric Co., which is giving $6 million to The American Red
Cross. General Electric is also providing $10 million of services and
products such as water purifiers and medical devices. Miller Brewing Co.
has promised up to $1 million to the American Red Cross and 15 truckloads
of water each week this month.
Starbucks Coffee Co.,
meanwhile, has promised $5 million over a five-year period.
Asked what is driving the
pace, Palmer believes "there is more empathy for people affected, and
people feel charitable donations will help people rebuild their lives."
Among those mustering support
for Katrina families are athletes.
Two National Football League
games on Monday will incorporate a fundraising telethon from ABC's Times
Square studio in New York City. The telethon will raise money for the
Bush-Clinton Katrina fund, and callers donating money may get to speak
with their favorite football player.
Among those scheduled to be at
the studio to answer calls and accept pledges are Hall of Famers John
Elway, Bart Starr, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson and Steve Largent. Current
players include Chad Pennington, Curtis Martin, Brian Dawkins and Dhani
Jones.
The NFL, its owners, clubs and
players have contributed nearly $10 million for hurricane relief.
Return to Table of Contents
|