Gov. Gregoire announces Washington Cares raises more than $600,000 for Katrina victims

For Immediate Release: September 16, 2005

OLYMPIA - Sept. 16, 2005 -- Gov. Christine Gregoire today announced that Washington Cares, an effort supported by Washington citizens, Washington Mutual and the Retired Public Employees, has raised more than $600,000 to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Funds will be given to the American Red Cross for relief efforts on the Gulf Coast.

�Today our state reaffirms our strong ethic of service and passion to make a difference in the lives of others,� said Gov. Gregoire. �From contributions ranging in size from several dollars to several thousand dollars, the generosity of the citizens of this state is on full display.�

Just two weeks after launching Washington Cares, citizens donated approximately $500,000. Washington Mutual, in co-founding Washington Cares with Gov. Gregoire, agreed to match up to $100,000 in donations. Today the Retired Public Employees made a $20,000 donation.

Joining the Governor for the check presentation at a Capitol press conference were Roy Kimbel, CEO of the Mount Rainier Chapter of the American Red Cross; Suzanne Dale Estey, Vice President of Government Affairs, Washington Mutual; and Cassandra de la Rosa of the Retired Public Employees Council.

Gov. Gregoire recently received an unexpected phone call from Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco thanking Washington for being one of Louisiana�s most supportive states.

�With Gulf Coast families scattered all over the country, with an ever-growing amount here in Washington, I am proud that we as a state chose to offer a helping hand,� Gov. Gregoire said. �Reuniting families and rebuilding cities are no easy tasks. I am proud that our state is doing all we can to make a difference.�

She noted that the Washington Cares effort does not take into account the tens of thousands of Washingtonians that donated to the Red Cross and other organizations on their own.

�Although the rebuilding effort will take years, on behalf of all of us, I want to let the Gulf Coast know: you�ve got a friend in Washington State.�

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