FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Community leaders announced Friday that $500,000 has already been raised for a relief fund to help victims of Hurricane Irma in Southwest Florida.
At a press conference, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation said they have joined forces with the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee to create a giving fund to move money to nonprofits who can help individuals in the aftermath of those affected by Hurricane Irma.
In addition, the foundation will distribute funds to Collier and Charlotte counties through the Community Foundation of Collier County, United Way of Collier County, Charlotte County Community Foundation, United Way of Charlotte County and other nonprofit organizations designated by donors.
Early contributors to the fund to support the region include JPMorgan Chase, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Richard M. Schulze Charitable Foundation, Ft. Myers Miracle, Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Scott Fischer Enterprises Fund, more.
Several philanthropists have stepped up to inspire community giving through $100,000 in challenge gifts. The Schulze Family Foundation will match up to $50,000, and Georganne and Cliff Williams, Norman Love Confections/Mary and Norman Love, Bill and Caroline Bloomhall, and FineMark National Bank & Trust/JoAnn and Joe Catti will also match an additional $50,000 in gifts to the fund.
People can donate online or by text. Contributions are tax deductible. 100% of the funds donated through the Southwest Florida Community Foundation will be used to provide emergency funds to directly help people in Southwest Florida.
Donors can give at www.FloridaCommunity.com or text GIVESWFL to 444999
