The GU Katrina Relief Fund Donates $15,000 to Salvation Army on the 3rd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

"The Salvation Army is so grateful to the GU Katrina Relief Fund for this very generous donation," said Major Jeffrey Smith, divisional commander of The Salvation Army,Kansas andWestern Missouri. "Our region has been especially hard hit over the last few years with devastating storms and destructive floods. These funds are crucial to us in our continuing mission to minister to the needs of disaster victims inKansas andWestern Missouri."

Tom Macon, one of the largest contributors to the GU Katrina Relief Fund and the chairman of Grantham University, said the fund was originally established to provide cash assistance, food, clothing and counseling to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina who moved toKansas City to start a new life.

"Without the great generosity of the people ofKansas City, the relocation of so many of Grantham University's employees would not have been possible," said Dr. Tiera Coston, a member of the board of directors of the GU Katrina Relief Fund. "The GU Katrina Relief Fund is delighted to make this donation to an organization that does so many good things for our fellow citizens of Kansas City."

One person who received help from the GU Katrina Relief Fund was Joanna Boldt, the director of student services at Grantham University, who relocated fromSlidell, Louisiana toKansas City after hurricane Katrina three years ago to continue working for the school.

Boldt remembers August 29, 2005 as if it were yesterday, a day that changed her life forever.

"When Katrina hit, I remember how thankful I was that my family and I decided to leave," said Boldt.

"No one knew for days what happened inSlidell; there was limited reporting from the area and no one was allowed to return," adds Boldt. "What we found when we reached our home inSlidell was too devastating to put into words. We saw the downed trees and the total destruction of the entire town. All the trees on our lot were snapped in half, every window on my house was broken and the house was off its foundation. During the hurricane, six feet of water had rushed through the house destroying everything."

In the aftermath of Katrina, Grantham University quickly decided to relocate toKansas City and set-up temporary operations at 2300 Main Street before relocating to its current home in Zona Rosa. Boldt and her family packed up a few things and headed north. Once they arrived inKansas City, they noticed the beautiful landscape and much cooler climate. As soon as the Boldt's checked into their hotel inKansas City, the generosity of the city became apparent. The GU Katrina Relief Fund and the support of the community helped Boldt start a new life inKansas City.

"I cannot believe we will be celebrating another anniversary," adds Boldt. "This day will bring mixed emotions -- sadness knowing that your life will never be the same again and happiness knowing how many people offered their time, money and prayers to give us survivors a second chance."

About the GU Katrina Relief Fund

Founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tom and Deborah Macon were the largest contributors to the Fund. Mr. Macon serves as the Chairman of Grantham University. The University, at the time, was located just outside ofNew Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. The University's employees were hard hit by the hurricane and the GU Katrina Relief Fund was established to aid current and former University employees by providing cash assistance, food, clothing and counseling.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

SOURCE GU Katrina Relief Fund

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