FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2005
Contact: Una Cooper
Communications Coordinator
301-809-3032
ucooper@cityofbowie.org
City of Bowie Establishes Matching Fund For Tsunami Relief
The City Council announced today that it will establish a disaster relief fund for victims of the recent tsunami in southern and southeastern Asia and that it will make the first donation to the fund in the amount of $10,000.
Community members are encouraged to donate to the fund, entitled the Bowie Tsunami Fund. In addition to the initial $10,000, the City will match every contribution by a Bowie resident or business, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 for a potential grand total donation of $20,000. All funds raised will be disbursed in equal amounts to the American Red Cross and UNICEF.
“The people of Bowie are always quick to lend a hand to those in need and we are confident that this time will be no different”, said Mayor Fred Robinson. “The damage is so widespread and so devastating that the need for assistance will exist for a very long time. My colleagues and I wanted to do every thing we could to help and to encourage giving.”
The intent of a separate Bowie fund was to make it easy for people to give financial assistance to the relief effort. Some may have already mailed or made online contributions to one of the many agencies providing relief or may plan to do so. Their quick response and their generosity are to be applauded. The Bowie Tsunami Fund merely provides the community with another, simple way to get money to those who need it most in the earthquake and tsunami ravaged region. It also allows donors to double the value of their donation with the match from the City.
Donations, which are tax deductible, will be accepted in person at the two Bowie branches of Citizens National Bank, at Market Place and at Pointer Ridge Shopping Center or may be mailed to Citizens National Bank, Market Place Branch, 3314 Superior Lane, Bowie, MD 20715, attention Cathy Woods. Checks should be made payable to the “Bowie Tsunami Fund”.