Date posted: 08/31/2005*

Hurricane Katrina has been classified as one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. mainland. The size and intensity of the storm has devastated the Gulf Coast, resulting in the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calling the impact of Katrina "near catastrophic" for the region. The aftermath and recovery will require one of the largest humanitarian and relief efforts ever undertaken by the American Red Cross, exceeding the $130 million spent in response to the four Florida hurricanes of 2004 combined.

The devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina and predictions of a continued strong 2005 hurricane season call for an extraordinary humanitarian support effort. With this in mind, Raytheon is proud to provide the following support to the American Red Cross:

• For the first time ever, the Red Cross is using retrofitted Raytheon First Responder vehicles donated last year in anticipation of catastrophic events like Katrina. All three donated vehicles from 2004 are at work and providing communication support for relief providers;
• In addition to the Raytheon funding already on the ground through our previous $1 million pledge to the Red Cross Annual Disaster Relief Fund, the company has pledged an additional $150,000 for general hurricane relief efforts, including those associated with Katrina;
• Raytheon employees have pledged an additional $100,000 to the Red Cross from the Raytheon Employee Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after 9/11 and is supported through gifts from employees and friends of the company, plus company grants.

If you would like to make a gift specifically to the American Red Cross in support of immediate relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, you can do so by visiting www.redcross.org or using the links provided on this page.

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