Bengals last preseason game a huge victory for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
This tremendous preseason win was an exciting victory for both the Bengals and for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Fans at this past Friday's Cincinnati Bengals-Indianapolis Colts preseason football game came out in force to show their support for their team and the efforts of the Salvation Army.
Fans demonstrated their generosity by helping to raise $152,338 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The entire amount collected will be channeled through The Salvation Army to support relief efforts in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.
Major Kenneth W. Maynor - The Salvation Army:
"We are extremely grateful for the Bengals, Clear Channel media outlets and Cincinnati's football fans that have contributed so much towards the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"The Bengals and Clear Channel have truly embraced this relief effort and were instrumental in rallying Bengals fans into answering the call for help. The results were amazing as the combination of individual and corporate donations far exceeded expectations. This is a testament to the generosity and support of the people and organizations of Cincinnati."
Vince Cicero - The Cincinnati Bengals:
"The Bengals organization would like to thank our fans for expressing their support to help all those that have lost so much in this tragedy. Our community saw a neighbor in need and immediately responded in a united effort. We will continue to offer our support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and encourage our fans across the region to do the same."
Within the first week of the hurricane's aftermath, the Salvation Army has mobilized over 100 canteens – movable feeding units – eight, 54-foot long mobile kitchens on tractor trailers and at least 600 personnel to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. More than 600,000 hot meals had been served, and more than 30,000 survivors, as well as emergency responders, across the South were being given comfort and aid at any one of dozens of permanent and temporary, Army-managed facilities.
As of September 7, the Army had raised more than $55 million, and currently serves at least 500,000 people in at least 30 states, ranging from Hurricane Katrina's impact area to California to Maryland. Monetary donations may be sent local Salvation Army earmarked "Disaster Relief," made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
