The Wellmark Foundation Directs $1 Million to Statewide Disaster Relief

June 25, 2008

Printer-Friendly Version

Contact:
Gary Peterson
515.245.4980
petersongm@wellmark.com

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Wellmark Foundation announced today a $1 million pledge to the newly established Embrace Iowa 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund, housed and administered by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation on behalf of statewide disaster recovery and relief from flooding and tornadoes.

Announcement of the donation was made by John Forsyth, chair of The Wellmark Foundation Board of Directors. “Times such as this demand the best from all of us, and require nothing less than our best efforts to help those who have been hardest hit to get back on their feet. Rebuilding the lives and lost or damaged property in the wake of these devastating disasters will take a long-term commitment and many resources. The Wellmark Foundation is pleased to make this pledge of support and I encourage Iowa businesses, individuals, and other interested parties to contribute to these efforts as they are able,” Forsyth says.

The Embrace Iowa 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund will manage a statewide private fundraising effort for Iowans affected by 2008 storms and flooding, and will help with and distribute funds to community efforts developing across the state.

Civic and business leaders Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell, at the request of Governor Chet Culver, are spearheading the effort and have formed the 2008 Iowa Disaster Collaborative along with other community leaders across the state. Aegon USA CEO Pat Baird, Rockwell Collins CEO Clay Jones, and University of Iowa President Sally Mason will represent Eastern Iowa in this unprecedented statewide private fundraising initiative designed to help victims of this year’s severe weather and historic flooding.

The Wellmark Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created by Wellmark, Inc., doing business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and The Wellmark Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.