#United States #Duke Energy #Hurricane Milton #Florida nonprofits #St. Petersburg

Duke Energy Foundation's Ongoing Commitment to Hurricane Relief

In a significant effort to support communities ravaged by Hurricane Milton, the Duke Energy Foundation has announced a generous donation of $350,000 to various nonprofit organizations across Florida. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to disaster relief and preparedness during an exceptionally challenging hurricane season.

Hurricane Milton, classified as a major Category 3 storm, made landfall on October 9, 2024, severely impacting numerous Floridians. Just over a month later, the Duke Energy Foundation continues to step up to assist those striving to rebuild their lives and communities. Melissa Seixas, the President of Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the foundation's commitment, stating, "This has been a devastating hurricane season for so many Floridians. We are walking side by side with our customers to help rebuild communities across Florida in the wake of Hurricane Milton."

Allocation of Funds

The funds donated by the foundation will be directed to 22 local organizations actively working on the ground to restore vitality in hurricane-affected regions. This includes essential services such as food distribution, financial assistance for students, and the replacement of critical household items. Notably, prior to the hurricane, the foundation also extended assistance of $50,000 to the American Red Cross, ensuring that emergency supplies were swiftly delivered to the affected areas in Florida.

Community Support Organizations

The following is a list of the nonprofit organizations receiving grants, categorized by their geographical focus:

Gulf Coast Supporters:

• - Daystar Life Center of Citrus County
• - Central Florida Community Action Agency
• - Yankeetown – Inglis Fire Rescue
• - Dunedin Cares Food Pantry
• - Amplify Clearwater
• - Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center (Safety Harbor)
• - St. Petersburg College (SPC) Foundation
• - Interfaith Food Pantry
• - Pasco Education Foundation
• - Ready for Life Pinellas
• - Pinellas Community Foundation – We Are St. Pete Fund

Central Florida Supporters:

• - University of Central Florida (UCF) Student Emergency Fund
• - United Against Poverty (UP)
• - Salvation Army of Osceola County
• - Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka
• - Valencia College (VC) Puma Emergency Relief Fund
• - Lake Support and Emergency Recovery (L.A.S.E.R.)
• - United Way of Central Florida
• - Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
• - Heartland Food Bank
• - Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida
• - Backpack Buddies

Impact on Local Communities

Adrienne Frame, Vice President of Student Success and Well-Being at UCF, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Duke Energy: "We are thankful for Duke Energy's generosity in supporting our students when they need it most, during this critical time in their lives."

These donations have brought Duke Energy Foundation's total contributions to disaster readiness and response in Florida to an impressive $910,000 for the year. Beyond immediate relief, this financial support aims to foster long-term recovery and stability in the wake of Hurricane Milton, allowing communities to gradually regain their strength.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation, funded by Duke Energy shareholders, is dedicated to providing over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to address the needs of communities where Duke Energy operates. As a significant player in the energy sector, Duke Energy aligns its initiatives with its corporate social responsibility goals, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and sustainability in its operational ethos.

As Duke Energy continues to push forward in its clean energy transition and commitment to a reliable electric supply, its proactive response to natural disasters underscores its dedication to the wellbeing of its service areas.

For further information on Duke Energy's initiatives, follow their social media channels or visit their official website.