Healing in the Heartland concert raises more than $6.5 million for United Way of Central Oklahoma tornado recovery

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week's "Healing in the Heartland: Relief Benefit Concert" hosted by Blake Shelton and NBC raised more than $6.5 million for the United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund, doubling what had been raised to date. This was the most successful telethon ever held for United Way's rebuilding efforts, and donations are still coming in. Other concert performers included Miranda Lambert, Reba, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Ryan Tedder, Usher, and Darius Rucker.

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"United Way of Central Oklahoma and our community partners are committed to empowering people to get back on their feet," said Debby Hampton, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Central Oklahoma. "The United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund will not only care for immediate needs but also provide important long-term support like social services and mental health care, which is essential for community recovery. We're proud to partner with Blake Shelton and all the artists who donated their talents to help raise awareness, resources and volunteers to improve lives and keep communities strong."

The United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund will support community partner agencies that are providing immediate relief services, as well as ongoing long-term recovery and rebuilding assistance for those affected by the May tornadoes in central Oklahoma. In recent years, United Way of Central Oklahoma and local community partners have implemented essential programs, including physical and mental health care, the 2-1-1 hotline for social services and much more.

"We're so thankful for the incredible outpouring of generosity from people who want to help Oklahoma rebuild," said Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. "United Way is working every day in communities across the nation to create long-lasting change in education, income and health. When disasters strike, United Way brings partners together to address immediate and intermediate needs, and we stay the course for long-term recovery."

Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores Inc. provided underwriting for the event. Facebook was the exclusive social partner for the event. To support the United Way of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund, visit Facebook.org/unitedway  

United Way
United Way, a worldwide movement in 41 countries and territories, includes more than 1,200 local organizations in the United States. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. LIVE UNITED is United Way's call to action for everyone to give, to advocate and to volunteer to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.

CONTACT:
Felipe Benitez, Director of Media and Public Relations
+1 703.836.7112 x546, [email protected]

SOURCE United Way