Gannett and Gannett Foundation Support Relief Effort
ARLINGTON, Va. – Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) announced today it would support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in all of its U.S. newspapers, including USA TODAY, on its Internet sites and television stations.
The program, the first-ever national partnership of the Gannett company and the Gannett Foundation, will have an estimated value of $4 million in cash and media value. The advertising supplied by the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will help channel contributions to the relief fund and potentially could help raise several million dollars.
“The tragedy of Tuesday, Sept. 11, did not end on that day. For thousands of people, the suffering continues. Those of us in the Gannett family hope our assistance helps ease some of the pain,” said Douglas H. McCorkindale, chairman, president and CEO.
“Gannett’s support will help us reach out to Americans who want to make a difference and will enable us to help people affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to Gannett and the Gannett Foundation for their support,” said Dr. Bernadine Healy, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.
In addition to this national effort, virtually all of Gannett’s newspapers and television stations are reaching out in their communities to help victims touched by the catastrophe. Also, employee contributions to approved charities including the American Red Cross and other relief organizations will continue to be matched by the Gannett Foundation.
The Gannett Foundation, a Gannett Co., Inc. sponsored foundation, makes grants to non-profit organizations in local communities where Gannett has operations. In 2000, the Foundation’s grants and employee matching gifts totaled approximately $8.8 million.
Gannett Co., Inc. is an international news and information company that publishes 97 daily newspapers in the USA, including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily newspaper. The company also owns in excess of 300 non-daily publications in the USA and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine. In the United Kingdom, Gannett subsidiary Newsquest plc publishes nearly 300 titles, including 15 daily newspapers. Gannett also operates 22 television stations in the United States and is an Internet leader with sites sponsored by most of its TV stations and newspapers including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the web.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to people in need without charge. This is made possible by voluntary donations of time, money and blood from the American people. To help provide support for people in need following this disaster as well as emerging human needs resulting from this tragedy, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.