In response to Hurricane Harvey’s impact in Texas and the Gulf Coast, the Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF), with support from several regional associations, has released a call to action for members and the agriculture community asking for donations to EDF’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial aid for victims of the hurricane.
The Disaster Relief Fund, since its inception following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has disbursed more than $280,000 to help offset the financial demands on dealers and their employees who are affected by natural disasters. Grant money can be used for temporary housing, food, water and other necessities.
Rob Richter of Sunshine Quality Solutions in Baton Rouge, La., had several employees receive grants in 2016 after flooding in the area. “It really brought a sense of pride that we have a partner out there willing to help us out,” Richter says, noting that the grant recipients were all very appreciative and humbled by the EDF’s support.
“This hurricane has caused unprecedented flooding and enormous amounts of damage to Houston and surrounding areas and it’s going to take a long time for these people to rebound,” says Tom Nobbe, EDF Chairman and owner of Wm. Nobbe & Co. “The least we can do is make sure we have funds available to disburse to our dealers and their employees, so please consider making a donation. We need to make sure those affected know that our community supports them and is willing to do anything we can to help.”
All funds raised will go directly to assist equipment dealers and their employees. Donations can be made using this pledge card: https://www.equipmentdealer.org/storage/app/media/EDF_Donation_Card.pdf
Checks should be made out to Equipment Dealers Foundation and mailed to:
Equipment Dealers Foundation
165 N. Meramec Ave. Suite 430
St. Louis, MO 63105
Those who prefer to donate using a credit card, please call EDF’s office at 636-349-5000.