United Way of Central Maryland Raises $100k+ to Provide Humanitarian Relief for Those Affected by Flash Floods in Ellicott City
"BALTIMORE (August 4, 2016) – Since the launch of United Way of Central Maryland’s ECStrong Fund for humanitarian relief in Ellicott City on Monday afternoon, more than $110,000 has been raised from local corporations and more than 700 individual donors. United Way of Central Maryland established the ECStrong Fund at the request of Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman.
“Thank you to Howard County Executive Kittleman and Governor Larry Hogan and their staffs for their responsiveness and leadership in dealing with this disaster,” said Mark Furst, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating flash floods this weekend in Ellicott City,” said Sandy Monck, chief impact officer, United Way of Central Maryland. “As a resident of Ellicott City, I’m personally and professionally humbled to be a part of this. The strong sense of community I have felt and witnessed since the flooding is heartwarming. Everyone is coming together to help one another — and United Way is here to help wherever we can. We will continue this fund as long as it is needed.”
One-hundred percent of all donations received through the ECStrong Fund will go to humanitarian relief for Ellicott City and those affected by the flooding. United Way will work with Howard County Government and others to determine where and how these funds will be distributed quickly and efficiently.
“I am thankful for the support we've received from United Way of Central Maryland and the rest of the volunteer community following the devastating flood that ravaged Main Street in Ellicott City,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “The offers of money and volunteer hours came quickly, and we are humbled by everyone's quick and generous offers of help. We’re working around the clock to secure, recover and rebuild our beloved historic community. We will rebound from this tragedy but right now we need to provide our residents and businesses the support they need with temporary housing, financial assistance, clothing, food and other basic essentials. The work of United Way, the Ellicott City Partnership and the Community Action Council will help those in need while we continue toward what is expected to be a long recovery as a result of this devastating flooding. We are very appreciative of the kind thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness many of you have shown our community. We are forever thankful. And we are #ECSTRONG.”
To date, corporate commitments have been made by BB&T, the Transamerica Foundation, the Ravens Foundation, First National Bank, W.R. Grace Foundation, Inc., Grimm and Parker Architects, The GIVING MOORE Foundation, Holly Poultry, Griffith Energy Services, Inc., the Jewish Federation of Howard County, Honey’s Bar and Grill and United Way with more coming in daily. WJLA Washington, DC’s ABC news affiliate, will be hosting a live telethon tomorrow to raise funds for ECStrong, and UPS employees are volunteering to staff the telethon phone bank. iHeartMedia Baltimore is donating $1 from every ticket sold to 93.1 WPOC’s Weekend in the Country at Merriweather Post Pavilion to benefit the ECStrong Fund
“What is most incredible about all this is not just the generous companies who have stepped up to help but also the nearly 700 individuals who have made contributions, both large and small, to stand with Ellicott City,” said Furst.
To assist those affected by this disaster, text the keyword “ECStrong” to 51555 or visit www.uwcm.org/ECStrong.
Together, we can help Ellicott City stand strong and recover.
About United Way of Central Maryland
For 90 years, United Way of Central Maryland has been empowering families to become self-sufficient by focusing on the building blocks of a better life: education, employment, housing and health. Family Stability is at the heart of this work, which includes helping children be successful in school so they graduate with a bright future; ensuring individuals, children and families have a safe, affordable place to call home; helping people find stable employment that brings in enough income to cover the basics and ensuring our neighbors in need have access to healthy, nutritious food and healthcare. All of this work is supported by the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline, a 24-hour, 7-day a week service that provides information and referrals on a variety of health and human service issues to individuals. Program volunteers answered more than 100,000 calls for help in the last fiscal year. United Way is improving lives in central Maryland communities, but no one can create change alone. That’s why United Way of Central Maryland is encouraging individuals to get their friends, colleagues and others involved, to do more in the community and help more families in central Maryland. Together, United Way of Central Maryland, its supporters and its volunteers can empower more families in the communities it serves: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties and Baltimore City. To learn more about the United Way of Central Maryland, visit www.uwcm.org. "
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