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

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced Monday it has established an emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund. In response to the September 4 downing of a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter off the coast of Honolulu, the Coast Guard Foundation is asking for financial support to assist the families of the lost crew.

As ANN reported, the helicopter crashed last week during a nighttime training exercise. Three bodies were recovered shortly after the accident; search crews called off their efforts to find the body of the fourth crewmember on Monday.

"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, 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.

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.

FMI: www.cgfdn.org, www.uscg.mil/d14/airstaBarbersPoint/