Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, announced Thursday that his family foundation will donate $500,000 to World Central Kitchen and Direct Relief for immediate disaster relief and long-term assistance as the Bahamas recover from Hurricane Dorian.
“We have seen far too often the aftermath of natural disasters on not only the physical infrastructure of an impacted area, but more importantly, on the personal lives of residents in these communities,” Blank said in a press release. “In working with World Central Kitchen and Direct Relief, our hope is that residents of The Bahamas can feel a sense of comfort and hope knowing that people care about them and their future well-being.”
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has made the following commitments:
World Central Kitchen: $250,000 to immediately provide meals and water to those in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. If you'd like to donate, click here.
Direct Relief: $250,000 to provide medical supplies and outreach to the more remote parts of the islands. If you'd like to donate, click here.
According to the press release, both organizations are on the ground in the Bahamas to help victims of the hurricane.
Blank isn’t the only big-name Atlantan to pledge support for victims of Hurricane Dorian.
On Wednesday, Atlanta rapper, actor, restaurateur and philanthropist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges announced he will donate $100,000 from his annual Labor Day weekend event, LudaDay, to hurricane relief.
And Atlanta entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, an "adoptive son" of the Bahamas, promised Wednesday to help, Jennifer Brett reported.
In a social media post, Perry pledged that “as soon as I can, I will be there to do whatever I can to help you rebuild stronger and better.”
He wasn't kidding. On Thursday, TMZ reported, Perry used his private seaplane to make two deliveries to the islands. Among the supplies were "much-needed water, juice, sleeping bags, diapers, various hygiene products and a lot of other basic necessities," TMZ reported.
During the return trips, they brought back seven passengers, including small children, a pregnant woman and others who needed medical attention.
MORE HURRICANE DORIAN COVERAGE ON AJC.COM
» Hurricane Dorian pushes away from Georgia coast, heads for the Carolinas
» Georgia awaits damage left from the path of Hurricane Dorian
» Bahamas Consulate in Atlanta accepting supplies for islands hit by Dorian
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
About the Author
