Governor Shumlin thanks ‘Corporate Angels’ for their Irene recovery donations

Governor Shumlin was joined by business leaders and individual Vermonters today to thank them for their generous donations to the Irene recovery efforts.
‘These donors have stepped forward to provide well over one million dollars towards Vermont’s recovery,’ said Governor Shumlin. ‘This assistance will provide both short and long term recovery opportunities to Vermonters who need help getting back on their feet.’
The state of Vermont recognizes the importance of all donations, large and small. Governor Shumlin was joined today by Edmunds Elementary School Principal Dr. Shelly Mathias and students Emma Goodwin and Aviva Strong, who raised 51 dollars for Rochester Elementary School by singing on their block for two days and holding a bake sale.
Moretown Elementary School students provided childcare assistance, walked with donation jars throughout town and worked as task runners during emergency response. Ethan Beard, Seth Beard, Shane Fekert, Cole Fekert, Tyler Tierson, Bergen Alison, Josie Alison, and Mary Harris came today and the Governor thanked them for their hard work.
Donations received from ‘Corporate Angels’ around the country provide housing, food assistance and case management, along with a full-range of resources for people who were impacted by Tropical Storm Irene.
‘I am pleased to see the outpouring of financial support from large corporations, small businesses and individuals who want to see Vermont rebuild,’ said Governor Shumlin. ‘I hope still that others who haven’t come forward will be generous in helping us recover.’
Governor Shumlin thanked the ‘Corporate Angels’ and children who joined him at the press conference as well as the thousands of other businesses and individuals throughout Vermont and the country who have generously donated to the disaster relief.
The ‘Corporate Angels’ who joined Governor Shumlin today are:
· Vermont Public Radio President Robin Turnau, who raised $627,000 from a one-day fundraiser.
· Green Mountain Coffee Roaster President and CEO Larry Blanford, for their $250,000 donation.
· Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont President and CEO Don George, for their $150,000 donation.
· National Life President and CEO Mehran Assadi, for their $120,000donation.
· President and CEO of Subaru of New England Ernie Boch Jr., for his $100,000 donation.
· Northfield Savings Bank President and CEO Thomas Pelletier, for their $100,000 donation.
· IGG Software Inc. President Dr. Ian Gillespie, for their $30,000 donation.
· Coca-Cola, for their $25,000 donation.
People who are still interested in donating to assist in Tropical Storm Irene recovery efforts can call 1-800-VERMONT to donate to either the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund and the Vermont ‘ New Hampshire Red Cross Chapter.