News Release: The American Red Cross Announces $1 Million Donation To The Disaster Relief Fund By Sandra Bullock

WASHINGTON, September 21 — Supporting the work the American Red Cross provides during times of disaster, Sandra Bullock made a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund.

This fund makes it possible for the Red Cross to provide food, shelter, emotional support, blood and other life-saving assistance to those in need. Red Cross programs and services, most importantly, mental health counseling, are available to all the families affected by disasters for as long as they need it.

"This gift is to help the Red Cross provide care and comfort for the victims of tragedy and support for the families of the courageous men and women who give selflessly in the very worst of times, with hope that, someday, the terrible suffering of innocent people, such as the world so recently witnessed, will end," added Sandra.

"The Red Cross is thrilled by the generous contribution, "said Dr. Bernadine Healy, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Sandra Bullock is already a Red Crosser. She was the Red Cross nurse serving in World War I in the movie 'In Love and War.' She captured so well the spirit of the Red Cross then, and clearly that spirit remains in her heart today."

The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide and has been the primary supplier of lifesaving blood and blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. In 2000, the Red Cross also trained almost 12 million people in vital lifesaving skills and delivered more than 21 million locally relevant community services. The organization also assisted international disaster and conflict victims in close to 40 locations around the globe, and its emergency communication centers processed 1.2 million calls in support of U.S. military families. Bernadine Healy, M.D., is president and CEO of the American Red Cross.