January 10, 2013
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The Alavi Foundation issued a grant for $100,000 earlier this week to the American Red Cross for its relief efforts directed toward victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. The 2012 storm caused substantial damage and power outages throughout the tri-state area, affecting millions of Americans.
In a letter to the Alavi Foundation, Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross, Greater New York Region, Christopher LaBianco, wrote:
“Arriving late in the 2012 hurricane season, Superstorm Sandy slammed the East Coast with powerful storm surges, high winds and punishing rains. The storm caused widespread power outages, damaged or destroyed houses and infrastructure, and left residents in New York wondering what their next steps would be. Thanks to the generosity of donors such as you, the American Red Cross was there, offering shelter, food and comfort.
The Alavi Foundation’s generous gift of $100,000 received on January 8, 2013 to “New York 2012 Hurricanes and Other Related Storms” aids people affected by tropical activity in New York, helping the Red Cross prepare for and respond to the storms, and provide services such as food, shelter and emotional support to those affected across the state. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
Launching our biggest response in more than five years, the Red Cross mobilized to aid people affected by this historic storm. Opening hundreds of shelters, serving nourishing meals and snacks, and distributing millions of relief items, our workers also offered comfort as those affected reeled from the devastation surrounding them. Now, addressing long-term needs, the Red Cross is working with government and nonprofit partners to assist those who need a helping hand in navigating the path to recovery. In New York, the Red Cross is allying with food banks to help ensure that New Yorkers in need receive hot meals, while working one on one with people who may need some extra help, connecting them to the resources vital to their recovery.
Thank you again for The Alavi Foundation’s generosity to those in New York affected by the 2012 hurricane season. Through your compassion, the American Red Cross is helping people rebound from this devastating storm.”
The Alavi Foundation initiated the Disaster Relief Fund for humanitarian aid in 2004. The Foundation has helped victims of the Bam earthquake in Iran through Mercy Corps, victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana through the Clinton Foundation, Tsunami victims in Indonesia through International organizations, Pakistani flood victims and Haiti earthquake victims through Action Against Hunger. In addition, the Alavi Foundation has helped the people of Afghanistan through Afghan Poverty Relief for the digging of wells for drinking water, as well as 9/11 charities.
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