ATLANTA – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on The Bahamas, Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS' Atlanta United, today announced two grants through his family foundation totaling $500,000 to World Central Kitchen and Direct Relief for immediate disaster relief and long-term assistance.
"We have seen far too often the aftermath of natural disasters on not only the physical infrastructure of an impacted area, but more importantly, on the personal lives of residents in these communities," said Blank. "In working with World Central Kitchen and Direct Relief, our hope is that residents of The Bahamas can feel a sense of comfort and hope knowing that people care about them and their future well-being."
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is making the following commitments:
World Central Kitchen - $250,000 to immediately provide meals and water to affected individuals and families in The Bahamas.
Direct Relief - $250,000 to provide needed medical supplies and outreach to the more remote parts of the islands through local hospitals and health clinics, reaching more vulnerable residents.
Each organization is currently on the ground in The Bahamas working around the clock to help those affected by the hurricane. To support their efforts, please donate by visiting:
World Central Kitchen: https://donate.wck.org/give/236738/#!/donation/checkout
Direct Relief: https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-dorian/
About The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation promotes innovative solutions to transform the lives of youth and their families, seeking results that move communities beyond what seems possible today.
The Foundation invests in education, parks and greenspace, youth development, community redevelopment, and the arts, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, and West Creek Ranch.
Mr. Blank, chairman of the foundation, co-founded The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through the foundation and his family's personal giving, Mr. Blank has granted more than $400 million to various charitable organizations.
