Anheuser-Busch Foundation Donates $1 Million to the American Red Cross to Support Disaster Relief

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, the American Red Cross accepted a $1 million check from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).

At the event, which took place on Friday in Wilmington, North Carolina, a community ravaged by Hurricane Florence in mid-September, Red Cross officials, including Don Herring, chief development officer for the American Red Cross, and Barry Porter, chief executive officer for the Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region, thanked the Anheuser-Busch Foundation for its longstanding partnership and commitment to the Red Cross and its mission. Bill Bradley, vice president, Community Affairs for Anheuser Busch, announced the donation and thanked Red Cross volunteers for their ongoing efforts in the aftermath of the storm.

ADGP members pledge donations year-round, in advance of major disasters, to ensure the Red Cross can respond immediately with comfort and care when disasters occur, help families during the recovery process, and ensure communities become better prepared for the next disaster. Donations from ADGP members like the Anheuser-Busch Foundation support Red Cross disaster relief activities, including sheltering, feeding, purchasing and distributing relief supplies, storing equipment, maintaining vehicles, and providing health and emotional support.

In addition to the annual pledge from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, the company continues to donate water through its Emergency Drinking Water Program. Since 1988, the company has donated more than 80 million cans of water to the Red Cross and partner agencies during times of disaster. Most recently, Anheuser-Busch donated more than 1.4 million cans of water to help people affected by this year's disasters, including wildfires in California, Hurricanes Florence and Michael, and Typhoon Yutu.

"We're honored to count the Anheuser-Busch Foundation as a valued member of our Annual Disaster Giving Program, helping us fulfill our lifesaving mission," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Anheuser-Busch's annual support ensures that the Red Cross can immediately respond and help people impacted by disasters whenever and wherever they may strike. Also, thanks to Anheuser-Busch and its dedicated employees, millions of cans of clean drinking water have provided refreshment and relief for disaster survivors in their times of greatest need."

"We have been working with the Red Cross to lend a helping hand to fellow Americans when natural disasters strike since 1906," said Bill Bradley, VP, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Anheuser-Busch. "This year, we recognize the resilience of North Carolinians and the dedication of the disaster relief partners at the Red Cross as we proudly celebrate the continuation of this great partnership."

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters across the country, including home fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires. Red Cross services are provided to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income through the generosity of Red Cross donors.

Individuals can help people affected by disasters by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

SOURCE American Red Cross