Former U.S. Presidents Launch "One America Appeal" to Help Hurricane Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim McGrath, Spokesman
Office of George H. W. Bush
713-240-6260 cell

Appeal initially planned to raise funds for organizations helping Hurricane Harvey victims; 
will be expanded to also help those affected by Hurricane Irma

All five living former American presidents have joined together to issue the “One America Appeal” to ask their fellow citizens and friends around the world to support the staggering recovery needs from Hurricane Harvey. As the nation carefully watches the advance of Hurricane Irma, the presidents stand ready to expand their appeal to help those affected by that storm.

The appeal will launch with the PSA “Our Friends in Texas,” which debuts tonight on the NFL’s regular season opening game on NBC, and will continue with additional support and promotion from the NFL. A second PSA that addresses both hurricanes will launch over the weekend. A website for online donations is now live at OneAmericaAppeal.org.

The former presidents were inspired to come together to lend their support to the people and communities affected and to the first responders, organizations, volunteers and neighbors who have been providing assistance to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Harvey has already displaced more than one million people and caused an estimated $180 billion in damages over its 300-mile path of destruction.

A special restricted account has been established through the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation to collect and quickly distribute donations to ensure 100 cents out of every dollar goes to assist hurricane victims. Donations are tax deductible. Funds designated to help victims of Hurricane Harvey will be distributed to the Houston Harvey Relief Fund focusing on the greater Houston region, and the Rebuild Texas Fund assisting communities across the state.

Now, as Hurricane Irma batters other communities and is predicted to hit many more, efforts are underway to evaluate how this appeal can help those affected by that storm.

After they debut, both PSAs will be available online at OneAmericaAppeal.org.

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