FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISASTER NEWS RELEASE             

MEDIA ADVISORY

Roadrunner Food Bank

CONTACT: Allan Oliver

505-231-0247

Lt. Governor Denish Announces

“New Mexico Fund for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief”

Donations Support America’s Second Harvest Efforts to Feed Hurricane Victims

Santa Fe, NM – August 29, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina’s impact on Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and some parts of Florida has been devastating and has left thousands of our fellow citizens without electricity, shelter or food.  While recognizing the loss of life could be tremendous, Lt. Governor called on New Mexicans to “help save the living.”

In a letter sent to every state employee, Lt. Governor Denish announced a “New Mexico Fund for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief” and urged New Mexicans to make a contribution to the Roadrunner Food Bank, an affiliate in America’s Second Harvest—the Nation’s Food Bank network.  

“Ten major food banks and hundreds of local food pantries and emergency shelters in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina,” stated the Lt. Governor. “Every day, they provide vulnerable families with basic rations in order to live.  Now as the recovery effort begins, these food banks will be crucial locations for feeding the men, women and especially children who have been affected by this disaster.“

The Lt. Governor continued “I strongly support the Roadrunner Food Bank because I know that these funds will be used effectively and efficiently to help the most vulnerable in their time of greatest need.  I will be giving personally, and I would ask every New Mexican to give what they can.”   

Melody Wattenbarger, Executive Director of the Roadrunner Food Bank noted, “The relief efforts are just beginning.  Today, food banks are calling on their neighboring states for help and more requests on the way.  Financial donations, like the Lt. Governor’s relief fund, give us the flexibility to meet the exact needs of victims quickly and effectively.” 

In conclusion, the Lt. Governor stated “Many emergency relief groups from New Mexico are already on the ground working hard to help the victims of Katrina.  Contributing to this relief fund, is a means by which, those who cannot go can show they care.”

Donations will be collected at the Lt. Governor’s office located in the State Capitol Building, Suite 417 in Santa Fe and at the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority at 344 Fourth Street SW, in Albuquerque.  Donations should be made payable to “The Roadrunner Food Bank” and please make a notation for “Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief” on the check.

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