ISA Announces Hurricane Relief Fundraiser to Help Gulf Coast Recover from Storm
Research Triangle Park, NC (22 September 2008) – In response to the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which hit the Gulf Coast states as a Category 2 storm on 13 September, ISA has announced a hurricane relief fundraising program to be held in conjunction with ISA EXPO, 14-16 October in Houston, Texas, at the Reliant Center. ISA also announced a pledge to match funds collected, up to $10,000, approved on Friday by its executive board.
ISA will collect financial donations throughout ISA EXPO 2008, and will dedicate Tuesday evening’s industry reception to the relief effort with a silent auction to raise money for the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Ike disaster relief fund. The Red Cross is providing shelter, food and emotional support to tens of thousands of residents, and with more than 200 shelters opened across several states, the Red Cross and its partners have provided more than 100,000 overnight stays to people affected by Hurricane Ike. The organization is also working to feed and provide mental health counseling to help both victims and emergency personnel.
"The Red Cross can’t do their important work without the support of the community -- our community. After all, these are our colleagues, our friends, our customers, and our suppliers, and we’ll support them and help them rebuild," said ISA Executive Director and CEO Patrick Gouhin.
Individuals can donate by bringing cash or checks made out to the American Red Cross to ISA EXPO, 14-16 October, at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas. Individuals can also bid on dozens of items at our silent auction, held during the industry reception at the Reliant Center on Tuesday, 14 October, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Companies can donate in three key ways:
1. Pledge to match the funds raised by ISA EXPO 2008 attendees. This is the most significant gift a company can give – to match a percentage of the generosity of the individuals attending ISA EXPO.
2. Send a one-time donation to ISA, in the form of a check made out to the American Red Cross, to support the effort.
3. Donate a $250+ valued gift to the silent auction. ISA is asking for consumer items, and logos are welcome to be on the donations.
Because of the critical time sensitivity of the disaster relief effort, ISA is asking companies to respond with their pledges of matching funds and silent auction gifts by the end of the week. ISA will accept one-time donations through the conclusion of ISA EXPO on October 16.
