Galveston, TX — In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl and the prolonged power outages amid extreme heat, the Galveston County Recovery Fund has been activated for the fifth time since its establishment following Hurricane Ike in 2008. This innovative “pop-up” collaborative, which has been activated with launch collective investment of nearly $500,000, was created to strategically deploy private philanthropic dollars towards disaster response and recovery efforts in Galveston County. Its role is more critical now than ever.
Hurricane Beryl exceeded most forecasters’ expectations. Wind has caused damage across our community and there are ongoing, widespread power outages across Galveston County, leaving many residents without electricity for days in the midst of oppressive heat. The lack of power has disrupted daily life, affecting access to air conditioning, refrigeration, and essential services. The Recovery Fund members recognize that our most vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly, children, and those with medical conditions, are particularly at risk during these prolonged outages.
The 2024 member foundations are united in their commitment to aid the recovery efforts and include:
- The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund
- The Ippolito Charitable Foundation
- The Moody Foundation
- The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
- The Sasser Family Foundation
- The Permanent Endowment Fund of Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church
- The Mary Moody Northen Endowment
Since the Recovery Fund’s inception 16 years ago, the United Way of Galveston serves as central partner and fiscal agent, managing almost $10M of disaster aid. The 2024 Recovery Fund leadership team comprises philanthropic leaders including:
- Betty Massey, Chair
- Lauren Scott, Vice Chair
- Lee Jurewitz, Grants Chair
- Lindsey White, Secretary/Treasurer
In response to the widespread destruction, initial funds were deployed to address construction and infrastructure support, essential needs like food, water, and cleaning and cooling supplies. Initial grants were awarded to 4B Disaster Recovery Network, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent’s House, and the Galveston County Food Bank.
To learn more about needs, organizations responding to our community, and to support these crucial responding organizations working on the front lines of disaster recovery, please visit www.galvestoncountyrecoveryfund.org
How You Can Help:
Your support is urgently needed to aid the recovery efforts and bring relief to the residents of Galveston County. Donations to the Galveston County Recovery Fund will be strategically deployed to address the most pressing needs. Every contribution makes a significant difference in helping our community rebuild and recover from this devastating storm. Click here to give.
To support the Galveston County Recovery Fund, please contact Lindsey White at lwhite@uwgalv.org or visit www.galvestoncountyrecoveryfund.org
Join us in this coordinated philanthropic effort to bring hope and recovery to Galveston County. Together, we can make a profound impact.
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For media inquiries, please contact: Lindsey White, 409-750-5051, lwhite@uwgalv.org
About the Galveston County Recovery Fund:
Founded in response to Hurricane Ike in 2008, the Galveston County Recovery Fund is a collaborative effort of multiple foundations aimed at leveraging private philanthropic dollars for disaster response and recovery. Managed by the United Way of Galveston, the Fund has been activated multiple times to provide critical support to the community during times of crisis.