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MDRT Foundation Raises $575,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief

 

Park Ridge, IL (October 2, 2006) — As the end of the 2006 hurricane season draws near, the $575,000 raised by the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation is still hard at work for the many victims of last year's Hurricane Katrina that devastated Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

"MDRT members and others in the life insurance and financial services industry rose to the challenge and far exceeded expectations in support of the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund," said 2006–2007 MDRT Foundation President Mark S. Jones. "The outpouring of support allowed the Foundation to donate an inspiring amount of money to provide assistance for those who lost everything during the disaster."

Contributions to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund ranged from $5 to $50,000 from 600 individuals and organizations including MDRT members, industry associations and companies. The total donation included a $50,000 match from the MDRT Foundation and a $50,000 contribution from MDRT. The MDRT Foundation distributed 100 percent of the donations to three key organizations involved in the relief effort:

  • A grant of $300,000 was given to Habitat for Humanity International. $200,000 of the donation will be used to support mobilization of Habitat's newly organized volunteer corp, while $100,000 of the donation will sponsor the construction of a new home for a hurricane victim in New Orleans. The construction of this home will be done by MDRT volunteers in October.
  • The American Red Cross received a grant of $100,000 to help with the organization's long-term disaster relief efforts.
  • In June 2006, a $175,000 grant was given to The Salvation Army for special assistance that provides support to children affected by Hurricane Katrina. Among the resources funded through this program are scholarships for college or special trade schools.

About MDRT and the MDRT Foundation

The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 to provide Round Table members with a means to give back to their communities. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated in excess of $15.3 million to more than 1,500 worthy charities around the world. The majority of these funds were raised by MDRT members from MDRT members. Some of the organizations that have benefited from MDRT Foundation grants are: Make-a-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and American Paralysis Association.

The MDRT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Founded in 1927, MDRT is an international, independent association of more than 35,000 or less than 1 percent, of the world's best life insurance and financial services professionals. With membership from 77 nations and territories, MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales and excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.

 

Read about the Foundation's grant programs.