
Annual Pledge Helps Red Cross Response to Increasing Frequency and Severity of Disasters
Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced an annual pledge of $250,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program. Through this pledge, Stephens will help the Red Cross quickly respond to disasters big and small across the U.S., providing assistance to those in need.
Disaster Responder members, along with their employees and customers, pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters to power the Red Cross with the infrastructure, volunteers, technology and resources that can provide relief in times of crisis. These donations enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters expediently — offering safe places to sleep, nutritious meals, emotional support and supplies to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for future disasters.
“Over the years, my family and I have been moved by the kindness and generosity of Stephens’ employees who, through our corporate fundraising for the American Red Cross, continually help their communities, neighbors and fellow Americans in times of need. As a family, we believe strongly in the mission of the American Red Cross and with this annual pledge, we extend our commitment to providing support and resources to help their efforts. We are proud to do our part.” said Laura Stephens Brookshire, Senior Executive Vice President at Stephens Inc.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 65,000 disasters across the country every year, providing comfort and hope in times of crisis. As rapidly intensifying storms, extreme heat, record floods and widespread wildfires continue to devastate communities across the country, donations from Disaster Responder members are more important than ever.
“As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, we continue to count on forward-thinking Disaster Responder members like Stephens to help power our preparedness and relief efforts,” said Barry Falke, chief executive at the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. “We are so thankful for Stephens’ donation, which underscores their commitment to compassion in advance of disasters big and small.”
Donations from Disaster Responder members also support basic needs for families affected by home fires — which comprise the bulk of Red Cross response efforts — and help ensure the Red Cross can continue offering disaster preparedness education nationwide.
“We count on Disaster Responder members like Stephens because they understand the importance of being prepared before a disaster strikes so we can respond immediately,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We're extremely grateful for Stephens’ donation, which will help ensure we can continue to build our capacity and resources ahead of time, keep up with the pace of frequent disasters and assist people in their darkest hours.”
About Stephens
“Stephens” (the company brand name) is a leading family-owned investment firm that includes Stephens Inc. (member NYSE/SIPC), Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, Stephens Insurance, LLC, Stephens Capital Partners LLC and Stephens Europe Limited.
Stephens Inc. is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1933, Stephens Inc. provides securities brokerage, investment banking and other financial services to a broad client base which includes corporations, state and local governments, financial institutions, institutional investors and individual investors throughout the United States and overseas. Stephens Inc. (Home Office: 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AR USA, 501-377-2000) is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Member SIPC/NYSE. For more information, visit www.stephens.com.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.