United Way of Pasco County and community partners have mobilized to create a local flood and storm recovery fund, including a TEXT TO GIVE option. 100% of donated funds will be used to assist victims in their recover and zero administrative funds will be used by United Way. Due to the recent storm and flooding, more than 2,672 homes and properties have been impacted including low and moderate income residents and elderly families. Repair and recovery expenses may push many of these residents beyond their financial capacity.

This special fund began with a $10,000 contribution from Scott Fink, owner of Hyundai of New Port Richey to match contributions made by the public. Since Fink’s donation to kick off this fundraising effort, other donors have stepped forward with match contributions including the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay (CFTB). Explaining the desire of CFTB to support this effort, President and CEO Marlene Spalten says, “We all empathize with our Pasco County friends and neighbors as they deal with this crisis. Our contribution to the recovery effort is made possible by generous donors who trust us to react when our neighbors in the Tampa Bay region need our support. One of our goals at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay is to inspire charitable giving. We hope our gift to this fund will spur others to help as well.”

To date, $34,000 in match funds have been pledged by donors across Tampa Bay including the SunTrust Foundation. More match partners step forward each day and United Way of Pasco County will continue to seek donations to match those made by concerned citizens in the community. “Our community’s ability to rapidly mobilize businesses, government, donors, and community leaders to answer this crisis demonstrates how we LIVE UNITED in Pasco County,” says Duggan Cooley, President of United Way of Pasco County.

Storm and flood victims are urged to call 727-847-2411 to report storm-related damage.

Ways to give:

**Text the word PASCO to 41444

**Donate online – unitedwaypasco.org

**Mail gift to – United Way of Pasco County – 17230 Camelot Court Land O’Lakes, FL 34638

**Make a donation to United Way of Pasco County “Storm/Flood Relief” Fund at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank