Illinois Tornado Relief Effort Raises Over $1.1 Million for Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts

CHICAGO, April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Illinois Tornado Relief Effort campaign, in partnership with WGN Radio, Chicago Tribune, WGN-TV and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, has raised more than $880,000, from nearly 7,200 generous donors. With matching funds from the McCormick Foundation and all expenses covered by the partners and the Foundation, over $1.1 million has been granted to five nonprofits in communities hardest hit by last November's devastating storms including Brookport, Diamond, East Peoria, Gifford, Pekin and Washington, Illinois.

"Extraordinary work is being done to rebuild homes and hope in the communities impacted by November's storms," said David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "None of this would have been possible without the generosity of those who gave to this campaign and the efforts of our partners."

"The response to the Illinois Tornado Relief Effort further exemplifies the compassion and generosity of our listeners, viewers and readers," said Jimmy de Castro, President and General Manager of WGN Radio. "We thank the Chicago community and our partners at the McCormick Foundation, WGN-TV and Chicago Tribune for their combined efforts to help those affected by the storms."

Five months ago today, tornadoes ravaged central and southern Illinois; few could comprehend the utter devastation and destruction left in their wake. Turning lives and communities upside down, the enormity of rebuilding became prevalent. Clearly, the reconstruction would be a major undertaking.

On November 26, 2013, to assist with the recovery and rebuilding efforts of our neighbors, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation partnered with WGN Radio, the Chicago Tribune and

WGN- TV to launch the Illinois Tornado Relief Effort campaign. It centered around a 24-hour radio-thon, hosted by WGN Radio to raise funds for those impacted. The radio-thon included calls from listeners eager to donate, contributions from corporations wanting to show support, interviews with our neighbors affected, and words from Governor Pat Quinn and David Hiller, McCormick Foundation President and CEO.

To learn more about how your donations helped those in need, click here.

About the Grants

Peoria Area Community Foundation - $500,000   
To support the Long Term Recovery Committee that works to strengthens disaster coordination by simplifying access to assistance for survivors. Provides the Unmet Needs Table to help those who have explored and exhausted all available sources of assistance and still have unmet needs standing in their way of recovery.

Southern Illinois Community Foundation - $230,000       
To support case management, crisis counseling, construction and volunteer coordination services.

American Red Cross, Greater Chicago Region - $150,000         
To provide long-term case management services and to open Emergency Aid Stations in affected areas.

The Salvation Army, Heartland Division - $150,000         
To provide food, water and clothing to displaced residents.

Community Foundation of Rantoul - $100,000   
To support the Gifford Tornado Relief Fund that facilitates long-term recovery cases.

The McCormick Foundation has conducted many disaster relief campaigns, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, southern California wildfires and Hurricane Sandy. The Foundation has a structure in place to ensure quick relief, which is vital after disaster situations. Since 1991, over 545 grants totaling more than $59 million have been awarded to disaster relief programs.

About the Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Robert R. McCormick Foundation is committed to fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens. Through philanthropic programs, Cantigny Park and museums, the Foundation helps develop citizen leaders and works to make life better in our communities. The Foundation was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation's largest foundations, with more than $1 billion in assets.

The McCormick Foundation continues McCormick's legacy by partnering with media outlets, such as WGN Radio and the Chicago Tribune, sports teams and philanthropic organizations across the country, to encourage local giving, inspire civic involvement and address human needs. To learn more about the McCormick Foundation visit McCormickFoundation.org

SOURCE McCormick Foundation