FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

Date: 08 September 2008

Contact: Anthony Turner
Chief, External Communications Division 
(562) 577-0343 
anthony.j.turner@uscg.mil
http://www.new.auxpa.org/

Jennifer Crowley Fyke
Director of Advancement
Coast Guard Foundation
860-535-0786
jennifer@cgfdn.org

Rus Graham
Rushton Gregory Communications
603-799-2540
rgraham@rushtongregory.com

 COAST GUARD FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES DISASTER
RELIEF FUND IN WAKE OF HELICOPTER TRAGEDY

Non-Profit Organization Issues Call for Aid in Time of Crisis

Stonington, Conn. – The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it has established an emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund. In response to Thursday’s tragedy off the coast of Honolulu, the Coast Guard Foundation is asking for financial support to assist the families of the lost crew of the Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter.

“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to the crew, their families and the entire Coast Guard,” said Anne Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers these heroes face every day, and why the Foundation is dedicated to serve and support them and their families. We hope that others will join us in coming to their aid.”

Those wishing to support this emergency fund raising effort may visit the Coast Guard Foundation’s website at www.cgfdn.org, call the Foundation at 860-535-0786 or fax a note to 860-535-0944 with donation information and a reference to the Family Disaster Relief Fund. For more information on the Family Disaster Relief Fund, or the Coast Guard Foundation and its many worthwhile scholarship and support initiatives, please visit the Coast Guard Foundation website www.cgfdn.org.

About The Coast Guard Foundation

The Coast Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969. It was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets, which were not covered by federal operational funding. In 1986, the Foundation expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. A Board of 100 Trustees from all parts of the country governs the Foundation. The Trustees elect from their members a 30 person Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Foundation. Located in Stonington, Connecticut, the Foundation employs a staff of ten civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation’s objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct law enforcement actions.

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