Flood relief funds swell with major gifts

The generosity of individuals and organizations connected to Wayne County has been one silver lining in flood recovery efforts. Tens of thousands of dollars are flowing into accounts set up to help communities struggling after being hit by catastrophic flooding Aug. 12.

Many of those donations are going through Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Cares fund. New gifts can be made at wwn.to/wccares.

“We’re going to rely on our partners in the communities who do this work every day and support them with funding,” Wayne County Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Gilliam said in a news release. “We’ve been in communication with leadership of the towns as well as all the township trustees that serve communities that were greatly impacted — areas like Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Centerville, Jacksonburg, Milton, and Williamsburg — so we can support the work they’re doing. This will be a long recovery, and we want to make sure there are funds available now and in the future as more needs are understood in the coming days and weeks.”

Reid donates $100K

Wayne County Foundation received $100,000 from Reid Health toward flood recovery efforts. The money will be distributed through the foundation’s Wayne County Cares Fund.

“We want to make sure we’re where we’re needed most and are helping in the best way we can to meet each community’s specific needs,” said Reid Health Vice President Jason Troutwine in a news release. “So far, that has meant performing water rescues, helping identify flooded roadways, and donating items such as food, water, masks, gloves and tetanus vaccines. There are hard days ahead for many people. Recovery will take time, but we’re here to offer our support for as long as it’s necessary.”

As Reid team members work to identify where their gift can have the most impact, its foundation has been on the ground with communities, residents and town officials to steer support.

Belden gifts $50K

Belden announced a $50,000 gift to the Wayne County Cares Fund to support the communities’ long road to recovery. 

“Being part of Wayne County means more than just doing business here; it means a commitment to the people and businesses that have supported Belden throughout our 100 years in Richmond,” said Marty Van Der Burgt, vice president, R&D, in a press release. “With the recent historic flooding affecting our friends, neighbors, and local businesses, we believe it is our responsibility to step forward and help. Belden’s donation to the Wayne County Cares Fund reflects our commitment to helping the people and community recover and emerge stronger.”

In addition to this contribution, the company is supporting its impacted associates with internal initiatives, such as paid volunteer time to support local recovery efforts, and an Employee Emergency Relief Application for those facing significant hardship. 

Lingles offer $25,000 match

A matching goal has been reached toward Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Cares Fund.

Pat and Paul Lingle matched $25,000 in donations of any amount 1:1. Donations are being distributed directly to communities impacted by flooding.

Haley Hokey, the foundation’s director of strategic communications, said donations to the Wayne County Cares Fund are coming in strong as philanthropists continue to respond to recent flooding.

“It’s been incredible seeing individuals and businesses rally around our communities, stepping up with generosity and support for neighbors in need,” Hokey said. “The Wayne County Foundation is grateful for this outpouring of support and encourages anyone who hasn’t yet contributed to join in helping Wayne County recover and rebuild.”

Duke Energy gives $10K

Wayne County Foundation received $10,000 from Duke Energy to support flood recovery efforts in Cambridge City and Milton. The grant is part of $50,000 the company has donated statewide.

“Our line crews and support teams who worked to restore power saw firsthand the devastating impacts of last week’s storms and historic flooding on the Indiana cities and towns we serve,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar in a press release. “We know the rebuilding process is just beginning and communities have immediate needs.”

Duke Energy Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders and provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where its customers live and work. Duke Energy serves 69 Indiana counties. 

The grant will help provide essential assistance to residents and businesses impacted by the recent flooding, including access to food, water and other immediate recovery resources, Gilliam said.

“We appreciate Duke Energy’s commitment to helping our communities recover and emerge stronger from this devastating event,” Gilliam said.

Water company helps Cambridge City, Richmond

Indiana American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water, are providing financial assistance and on-the-ground support to communities impacted by severe storms and flooding across Indiana.

Indiana American Water deployed a mobile drinking water semitrailer to Cambridge City to assist local emergency response and recovery efforts, providing an additional resource for neighboring community leaders and first responders as they worked to support residents impacted by flooding.

They also awarded $2,500 to Richmond’s city government to help with local response and recovery activities in the flooding’s aftermath.

The gift was part of $70,000 statewide contributions.

Norfolk Southern offers flood relief grants

Eligible nonprofits aiming to support flood-impacted residents can apply for a Community Disaster Relief Grant from the railway company.

Applying organizations have until Sept. 30 to submit an application detailing how they plan to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected.

Visit wwn.to/norfolkgrant for the application.

Lions Club International donates to flood impacted areas

A grant for $15,000 from the Lions Club International Foundation and an additional $1,500 from the Indiana Lions Foundation were donated for flood relief in the area. The two grants covered the Lions District 25F, which extends from Marion County south to the Ohio River and east to the Ohio line. Approximately $5,000 was spent in Wayne County with the Richmond Lions Club donating humidifiers, garden hoses and box fans to Cambridge City. The Williamsburg Lions Club provided dehumidifiers and fans to Williamsburg.

Primex gifts $30K for flood relief 

Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Cares Fund received a $30,000 donation from Primex Plastics to aid the county’s continued flood recovery efforts. 

With deep roots in Wayne County, Primex believes in the strength of its recovery and wants to invest where the impact will be greatest. 

“We have employees and their families who are part of the communities impacted by the flooding, and we wanted to do something tangible to support them during this difficult time. We know the recovery effort will be significant, and we hope our contribution can provide meaningful assistance to those affected as they recover and rebuild,” said Mike Cramer, president, Primex Plastics Corporation.

“Primex has always been a great supporter of communities in Wayne County, and this is just another example of them stepping up to the plate,” said Rebecca Gilliam, executive director of the Wayne County Foundation. “We’re incredibly thankful to Primex for this donation, as it will provide an added boost to recovery efforts across Wayne County as communities work to rebuild.”

Friends Fellowship gives generous donation

Friends Fellowship Community raised $17,157 for recovery efforts directed through the American Red Cross. This is on top of the supplies and goods collected to assist Western Wayne communities.

Texas Roadhouse benefit night

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 3:30-10 p.m., Richmond’s Texas Roadhouse contributed 100% of its profits to the Wayne County Cares Fund.

Barn at Helm raises $7K for Williamsburg fire dept.

In a Sept. 2 social media post, Barn at Helm announced a donation of $7,155 to the Williamsburg Fire Department for repairs to two vehicles damaged during the August flood. With a goal of $2,000, the group collected love offerings at an Aug. 29 concert, with the Williamsburg fire department as its special guests. Those proceeds were added to funds from a silent auction, portions of concert ticket sales and a generous match from a private donor.

Information about additional philanthropic efforts can be sent to contact@westernwaynenews.com for publication consideration.