McCormick Foundation, WGN Radio, WGN-TV and the Chicago Tribune Launch Illinois Tornado Relief Effort

First $500,000 raised will be matched by Foundation at 50 cents on the dollar

CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Robert R. McCormick Foundation, WGN Radio, WGN-TV and the Chicago Tribune have partnered to raise funds for Illinois Tornado Relief, assisting those struggling in the aftermath of this devastating storm.

The Illinois Tornado Relief Effort, a campaign of the McCormick Foundation, will support nonprofit agencies providing disaster relief and recovery efforts to those communities hit hardest by the tornado. The Foundation will match the first $500,000 raised at 50 cents on the dollar. All administrative costs are paid by the Foundation and Partners, allowing 100 percent of all funds raised, plus the match, to be granted directly to nonprofit organizations helping those most affected by the storm. The first round of grants will distributed by the end of 2013.

There are three ways to donate:

1. Online: www.McCormickFoundation.org
2. Call the toll-free phone number: 1-800-931-5707
3. Mail a check payable to:

Illinois Tornado Relief Effort
McCormick Foundation Processing Center
23912 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1239

Help spread the word! Please include the #ILtornado hashtag on all social media posts related to this campaign.

Fundraising for this effort will continue through December 31, 2013. Only monetary donations are accepted. In kind gifts, such as water, supplies, etc. cannot be accepted.

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, Chicago Tribune, sports teams and philanthropic organizations across the country, to encourage local giving, inspire civic involvement and address human needs. The McCormick Foundation has conducted multiple disaster relief campaigns for the September 11^th Attacks, Hurricane Katrina, southern California wildfires, 2008 Midwest flooding and, most recently, Hurricane Sandy. The Foundation has a tested process in place to ensure quick relief, which is vital after disaster situations. To learn more about the McCormick Foundation visit www.McCormickFoundation.org.

SOURCE Robert R. McCormick Foundation