A new matching gift is giving more momentum to a local effort to raise money to help survivors of Hurricane Helene.
The Town of Palm Beach United Way said in a Friday email to supporters that it received the new matching gift of $50,000 from the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation Inc. for the Hurricane Helene Recovery Fund .
Hurricane Helene made landfall Sept. 26 as a category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and quickly moved north, creating a 500-mile path of destruction across six states including Georgia and North Carolina. The death toll as of Friday morning was 215, according to NBC News.
The Town of Palm Beach United Way on Tuesday announced the new fund and previously raised money toward a $10,000 matching gift from a local donor.
The foundation pledged the matching grant because it believes “in the power of collective action to amplify hope and recovery,” Sunni Johnson, the foundation’s executive director, said in the Town of Palm Beach United Way’s email.
“By doubling the impact of every donation, we aim to inspire others to join us in rebuilding lives and communities,” she said. “Our hearts go out to those who are facing devastation and loss. Together, we can transform generosity into meaningful change for those facing unimaginable challenges.”