Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
PROVO, Utah (March 9, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah emerged as the real winner on Saturday, when BYU triumphed over Oklahoma State in the final home game of the season. For every successful 3-point shot made by the BYU men’s basketball team this season, Mountain America Credit Union pledged a donation of $50, culminating in a generous total of $18,000. These funds will be used to help Utahns during times of crisis.
“Community involvement is essential to our mission at Mountain America Credit Union,” said Nathan Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mountain America Credit Union. “Our partnership with BYU provides an exciting opportunity to intertwine their successes with our support of the American Red Cross of Utah to make a long-lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
This year marks the fifth season that Mountain America has partnered with BYU Athletics to support the Red Cross of Utah. Since 2018, Mountain America's BYU Athletics program has contributed nearly $140,000 to aid the Red Cross in preventing, preparing and responding to home fires and other disasters in Utah.
“Mountain America’s generous support helps ensure that the Red Cross of Utah can respond immediately with comfort and care when disasters happen,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “It’s a valuable donation that supports people in need and allows us to continue our lifesaving fire prevention initiatives, such as providing free smoke alarms and installations in vulnerable communities.”
Most frequent disaster
The Red Cross of Utah frequently responds to home fires, the nation’s most common disaster, which often leaves families devastated and in immediate need of assistance. Last year, our team responded to over 250 home fires, helping more than 800 neighbors. Additionally, Red Cross staff and volunteers installed over 500 free smoke alarms locally. Every day in the U.S., home fires claim seven lives, often in homes without working smoke alarms.
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,000 lives nationwide by providing fire safety education, creating escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires
A history of supporting the community
Mountain America and the Mountain America Foundation, headquartered in Utah, are deeply committed to philanthropy, focusing on education, healthcare, disaster relief and various nonprofits. They provide scholarships, contribute to healthcare foundations, assist in disaster relief efforts, and donate to charities that positively impact communities where they serve. Their annual “Month of Caring” event reflects their dedication to diverse community needs.
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.