Media Giant Raises Over $225,000 for Hawaii Wildfire Survivors
Gray Television partners with The Salvation Army for fire relief
JACKSON, Mississippi (September 18, 2023) - Media giant Gray Television, Inc. partnered with The Salvation Army to aid survivors of the deadly Hawaii wildfires that consumed thousands of acres while claiming 115 lives and displacing more than 12,000 people from their homes. The country's largest owner of top-rated television stations launched a fundraising media blitz across all of its 113 local markets, raising over $225,000 for Salvation Army relief efforts. 100% of all disaster-designated donations go directly toward recovery efforts in affected communities.
Disaster-trained Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers have invested over 8,000 hours in disaster response efforts to provide for Maui survivors' immediate needs while also identifying communities that will require longer-term assistance. Since the onset of the Maui wildfire disaster, the organization has prepared and served over 71,000 meals and, through the partnership of local chefs, restaurants, and other non-profit organizations, has coordinated more than 465,000 meals and 44 feeding locations.
“During a tragedy like the wildfires in Hawaii, it's critical that we support our communities,” said Hilton H. Howell, Executive Chairman and CEO of Gray Television. “Gray Television is thankful we can partner with an organization like The Salvation Army to get relief to those who need it the most.”
Gray Television is well-known for its culture of charitable giving and commitment to supporting local communities. In 2022, Gray donated over $250 million in cash contributions and free air time to present Public Service Announcements promoting nonprofit entities' charitable efforts and public awareness campaigns.
“We are grateful for Gray Television's partnership and campaign to raise nationwide awareness and funds to support our efforts to provide immediate assistance to survivors. In fact, one of the first organizations to help us raise money for The Salvation Army's Maui fires response effort was our local Gray Television station Hawaii News Now,” said Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “As we move toward longer-term relief support for survivors and evacuees, funding is critical. Donations raised will allow us to work with families and provide them essential services for the long road to recovery ahead.”
With locations in Lahaina and throughout the island, The Salvation Army was uniquely positioned to respond with a clear understanding of the impacted area's needs. And despite the loss of The Salvation Army Lahaina Lighthouse Corps buildings, Major Trimmer said his staff and volunteers haven’t stopped serving their fellow survivors and evacuees. The Salvation Army disaster response personnel continues to collaborate with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies and other partners to monitor ongoing impacts and adapt response efforts as needed.
"Right now, the best way to support response efforts is by making a financial contribution,” said Major Trimmer. “We ask you to continue to offer your support so we can serve those impacted for as long as we are needed.”
To make a financial gift to support ongoing disaster relief efforts:
- Text FIRERELIEF to 51555
- Donate online
- Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
About Gray Television
Gray Television, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Gray also owns video program production, marketing, and digital businesses, including Raycom Sports, Tupelo Honey, and RTM Studios, the producer of PowerNation programs and content. Gray is also the majority owner of Swirl Films.