Rich Templeton has stepped up the plate. An e-mail sent to employees:
TIers around the world share in the shock and grief for Gulf Coast residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, and in particular, with TIers who have relatives and friends in that region.
As the terrible magnitude of this disaster becomes more apparent every day, it is clear that it will take many months and an unprecedented relief effort by thousands of governmental, business and non-profit entities to provide survivors with the daily basics that most of us take for granted. It will take even longer to re-build the cities literally washed away by the storm.
Many around the world are stepping up to lend support to the hurricane’s refugees, including cities in our headquarters state of Texas. Survivors are streaming into Dallas and Houston, where TI has significant operations, in an effort to start reclaiming and rebuilding their lives. The challenge is great — meeting the health, nutritional and educational needs of tens of thousands of people.
To support those affected by Hurricane Katrina, TI yesterday announced an immediate grant of $250,000 to the Disaster Relief Fund of the American Red Cross.
Today, I am announcing that TI is increasing its contribution to a total of $1.25 million.
This increase will consist of an immediate gift of $500,000 to be split evenly between the Houston and Dallas chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Additionally, TI is pledging $500,000 to match gifts from employees.
For the matching gifts program, TI employees, on-site contractors and retirees will have the option to direct their gift to the Gulf Coast disaster relief funds of the national Salvation Army or Red Cross. As with prior relief efforts, we are partnering with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to handle administration and processing of the match program.
Be assured that 100 percent of the dollars you contribute and 100 percent of the company match will go to the Hurricane Katrina relief funds of these two agencies.
Further details on TI’s response will be communicated in the next day, including web tools for the employee match program, which will be accessible on Tuesday morning, September 6.
I thank you in advance for your compassion. It is characteristic of TI employees to do everything we can to help. The generosity and spirit of TIers comes through at times like this, and it is one of the reasons I am so proud to work here.
