Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (June 15, 2023) — The Reno-based William N. Pennington Foundation has donated $140,000 and a new Ford F-150 truck to the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. The donation will be used exclusively in Northern and Rural Nevada to support Red Cross disaster response and help displaced residents in times of need.
“This generous donation from the Pennington Foundation will help us be there with vital support when community members are affected by home fires, flooding, severe winter weather, or other disasters,” said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “The donated truck gives us needed transportation to safely get volunteers, staff, and supplies to emergency locations and the people who need assistance.”
This year, more than 400 Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers and staff supported not only disaster relief, but also fire safety initiatives and preparedness education programs. In 2022, Disaster Action Team members and staff responded to more than 125 home fires and helped nearly 500 people in Northern and Rural Nevada. “As we continue to see more devastating wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters each year, we’re grateful for the Pennington Foundation’s generosity and partnership to allow us to expand our capacity to serve the community,” Powell said.
About William N. Pennington & the Foundation
A philanthropist and gaming pioneer, Mr. Pennington formed the William N. Pennington Foundation in 1989 to expand his charitable efforts. The Foundation provides grants to Nevada organizations primarily in areas of education, community service, health care and medical research. The Foundation has made major and minor gifts to organizations in Reno, Washoe County, and rural Northern Nevada. Mr. Pennington passed in 2011, but the Foundation he created has continued his charitable work to help future generations of Nevadans.
Learn how you can help the community
Local volunteers are needed to join the Disaster Action Team in Northern and Rural Nevada to support residents during emergencies. For more information and to apply for this or other volunteer positions in Northern Nevada, contact Ericka Smith at ericka.smith@redcross.org, call 775-225-3392 or visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.