9/02/2005 12:00:36 PM|||Jonthon|||

The United Way of Greater St. Louis announced today it has made an initial, immediate commitment of $100,000 directed to United Ways working on relief efforts to help the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region.

The United Way%u2019s Executive Committee voted to release funds from its reserves. %u201CThis is truly a disaster and tragedy of immense proportions,%u201D said Charles W. Mueller, United Way board chair and retired chairman and chief executive officer of Ameren. %u201CThis region is a generous and caring community, and I know the citizens of our area want us to act on behalf of those in need.%u201D

In addition to the relief fund, our local United Way will provide an avenue for individuals and companies who want to help. People can use our United Way to make a gift to those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. One hundred percent of all funds received will be forwarded to United Ways working on relief efforts.

%u201CWhile we%u2019re just beginning our local fund-raising campaign, we have to do what%u2019s right and help people who are facing an extraordinary disaster,%u201D said Gary Dollar, president and chief executive officer of United Way.

%u201COur United Way can do this. We can sustain 200 agencies that help a million people here at home each year and help those in the South affected by this terrible disaster,%u201D said David L. Steward, general chair of the 2005 United Way campaign. Steward is founder and chairman of World Wide Technology.

Dollar said the United Way of Greater St. Louis will continue to evaluate the needs in the Gulf Coast area and respond accordingly.

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