From District 6840 Governor, Kathy Short:
Rotarians across the United States and world are learning of the devastation Hurricane Harvey has caused and continues to cause in Texas and surrounding areas. Search and rescue is underway as first responders follow set procedures and relief efforts will begin shortly.
Districts, clubs and individuals are asking the best and most efficient way to assist victims and communities affected by this massive, destructive storm. The answer to this question, which will address the biggest needs, is by monetary donations.
District 6840 experienced one of history's worst hurricanes twelve years ago today. Rotarians from other Districts and across the world immediately responded with funds and support. A few days after Hurricane Katrina, Rotarians from other Districts were in contact with our district and my home club in Pass Christian offering monetary and moral support.
After first responders completed rescue efforts and worked to stabilize the communities, Rotarians across the world provided recovery support to our district to provide assistance to individuals and communities.
Rotarians are the people who continue after a disaster and partner with other organizations to help rebuild lives!
We have a District 6840 Foundation (501C3) which is set up to collect and disburse donations in our district and other districts. The Foundation Board is compiled of five Past District Governors:
- PDG Ace Necaise
- PDG Neil Alford
- PDG Greg Lier
- PDG Don Bryan
- PDG Brian Hall
Donations can be made directly to the District 6840 Foundation by mail to:
District 6840 Foundation
384 Voters Road
Slidell, LA 70461
Make checks payable to: District 6840 Foundation with Hurricane Harvey Recovery in the memo line.
An online account for credit card donations has been established. Click here to access.
The 6840 Foundation account is also designated as a module to accept grant applications from clubs with projects approved by the board and applications will be posted on the District 6840 website.
The most efficient way to communicate information or requests relating to Hurricane Harvey, or other related disasters, is through the Assistant District Governor assigned to your club who will communicate with the Disaster Recovery Coordinators :
Louisiana- Michael Bourg flossmike@yahoo.com
Work: 504-717-0671
Home:504-737-4126
Cell: 504-717-0671
Mississippi-Trey Campbell trey@cclynch.com
Work: 228-452-4612
Cell: 228-342-0423
These coordinators will be working closely with Foundation Chair PDG Ace Necaise and the board to manage donations in the most effective way which is through other District Governors in the affected areas who have direct knowledge of their clubs and communities.
I know the passion our District Rotarians have for service and I encourage them to continue those efforts and to partner with other relief agencies for the most effective methods for speedy recovery.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Kathie G. Short
DG Kathie G. Short
Rotary International District 6840
P.O. Box 997
Gulfport, MS 39502
Mobile 228.234.1256