Minnesota Twins Announce $75,000 Contribution to Area Disaster Relief Efforts

Minnesota Twins donate to I-35W Bridge, SE Minnesota Flood and Northwood, ND Tornado Relief Funds

09/03/2007, MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Twins announced today that the organization will contribute a combined $75,000 to area disaster relief funds assisting those affected by the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, the flooding in southeast Minnesota and the tornado-ravaged community of Northwood, North Dakota. The Minnesota Helps - Bridge Disaster Fund, the United Way Minnesota Flood Recovery Fund and the Minn-Kota Red Cross Northwood Tornado Fund will each receive a $25,000 contribution from the Twins organization.

And, prior to today's game, as part of First Responders Day, there will be an on-field check presentation to both Mayor Rybak for Minnesota Helps and a group of United Way leaders from southeast Minnesota.

"We at the Twins continue to offer thoughts and prayers to everyone who has suffered as a result of these tragedies," said team executive director of public affairs Kevin Smith. "The Twins organization is encouraged that these funds will provide needed and timely assistance in the effort to speed the recovery process in the afflicted areas of Twins Territory."

The Minnesota Helps Fund: Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaboration of local funders to facilitate local contributions to disaster relief efforts. The purpose of the fund is to collect contributions and distribute them effectively to help the victims, rescuers, and families affected by the I-35W bridge collapse. For more information, please visit www.minnesotahelps.org.

The United Way Minnesota/Wisconsin Flood Recovery Fund is a collaboration of several United Ways in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Recovery funds will be distributed to programs providing services to individuals and families affected by the flood. The fund will be used to respond to needs not otherwise provided for by government or other traditional sources. Participating agencies include United Way of Olmsted County, United Way of Greater Winona, United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, and Pierce Counties and Great Rivers United Way in Onalaska, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit www.uwolmsted.org.

The Red River Valley chapter of the American Red Cross serves 14 counties across North Dakota and Minnesota. The American Red Cross provides emergency relief to families who have been victimized by disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, fire, and man-made events such as chemical spills and terrorist attacks.

Source: mlb