|
Olathe
Help in the Aftermath of Greensburg Tornado
A spirit of
compassion and generosity has always been a hallmark of
Olathe, a community that pulls together to overcome problems—our own
or the problems of others.
We are beginning to hear of efforts on the part of
individual Olatheans and businesses to help meet the needs of
those who are still in great need or in real jeopardy in the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. If your company is doing something
to help, we would like to hear about it so that we can let our
members know. Promoting your efforts might help your project
succeed, and it might inspire others to get involved! We have set
up a link on our Web site to provide continually updated
information about hurricane relief initiatives.
At the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, we have
heard of the following efforts and we
pass them along to our members in hopes of being some small
help. You may wish to add your efforts to those below.
Fundraising Efforts
-
How our members responded
to Greensburg...
The Olathe
Chamber of Commerce Foundation Fund has given a $1,000
seed gift to Heart
to Heart International for use in Greensburg relief
Members are still encouraged to donate to the
non-profit. Members who contributed through the Chamber's
effort, taking the total given way beyond $1,000, include:
Manning Construction
Compass Financial
Kansas School for the Deaf
CruiseOne
Renny Arensberg
Donations / Greensburg relief efforts
by members we've heard about
- Heart to Heart International accomplishments,
thanks to Olathe Chamber members and others like them:
- Fed Ex transoported all product collected for free
- Sent at least 4 semi loads of product to Greensburg
- Helped approx. 1,000 people with our Mobile Medical Unit
- Was the only source of healthcare in the area for some time
after crisis
- Partnered with Kiowa County Hospital
- Kansas City Royals sponsored Heart to Heart by allowing fundraising
efforts
at their games, donated money themselves, traveled to Greensburg
and
visited with people there and hosted a group of children and
teachers as they attended a Royals game free of charge.
- Hosfield Benefit Services employees conducted
a four-day drive and raised $7,425 by soliciting businesses
and individuals in ten Cloverleaf Management Corp. properties
in Overland Park. President Dan Hosfield delivered the funds
to Olathe’s Heart to Heart International.
- The Olathe Police Department has helped with
relief efforts in a variety of ways. Policemen Bob Ahsens,
Greg O’Halloran, Larry Parks, and others went
to Greensburg and other members of the department have contributed
time and effort as well.
- Olathe District Schools students and staff
have been involved, sending a total of $18,408 to Heart to Heart
and to other Greensburg initiatives and collecting care items.
- The 150 Pizza Huts in Kansas, including Olathe’s,
raised more than $150,000 and still counting for the United
Way Greensburg Disaster Fund.
- Salvation Army sent four emergency mobile
feeding units to the scene and sent dozens of volunteers and
personnel.
- Seaton Van Lines has provided Go Minis portable
storage units.
- Dillon’s grocery stores at both Olathe
locations are asking customers to “round up” their
bill to donate to the cause, and employees are donating as well.
- Morgan Hunter Companies and Olathe
Noon Rotary Club have made donations.
- Hoefer Wysocki Architects, LLC donated $8,310,
via the Kansas City Community Foundation.
If your company has initiated a project to show
support or contribute funds, call us so we can pass it along!
Call or e-mail Susan Wallace, 764-1050 or swallace@olathe.org.
Relief Links
|