UNITED WAY OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY RECEIVES $100,000 MATCHING GRANT FROM NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY FOUNDATION FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buffalo, N.Y., September 14, 2020 – United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) announced today a matching grant of $100,000 from the National Fuel Gas Company Foundation to encourage contributions from individuals and companies across Erie County to UWBEC’s Join the Fight campaign.
National Fuel Gas Company Foundation will match all gifts dollar for dollar up to $100,000 to UWBEC’s Join the Fight campaign starting August 24th. The Join the Fight campaign will take the lessons UWBEC has learned from COVID-19 to ensure that everyone in Buffalo & Erie County has access to information and resources associated with safe and affordable housing, nutritious food, access to high-quality child care so parents and caregivers can get back to work, opportunities for workers to build skills that prepare them to secure employment or advance in their workplace, and more.
The Join the Fight campaign will also pay particular attention to the impact the pandemic and economic shutdown has had on marginalized communities, who have borne disproportionate health and economic consequences.
“National Fuel is committed to the well-being of the communities where our employees live and work,” said David P. Bauer, President and CEO of National Fuel Gas Company. “We are proud to partner with United Way of Buffalo & Erie County to provide relief to those who need it most during these challenging times and to help keep our communities safe and healthy.”
"During this unprecedented time we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, but we know the long-term effects of the virus will be greater and more sustained than ever before," said Michael Weiner, President & CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “We are so grateful to the National Fuel Gas Company Foundation for joining the fight and rallying the whole community to match contributions to our Join the Fight campaign. As a result of their generous contribution, we will be better positioned to respond to the needs of our citizens and help build an equitable and more resilient community."
In June, UWBEC announced it was kicking off its annual fundraising campaign three months early in response to the emerging needs from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Join the Fight campaign allows UWBEC more time to fundraise for COVID-19 related long-term needs while continuing to support funded program partners providing critical services in the community.
Members of the community are encouraged to join the fight to rebuild an equitable and more resilient Buffalo & Erie County and make double the impact. Visit uwbec.org/jointhefight to donate and learn more.
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ABOUT UNITED WAY OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY
For 100 years, the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has united our whole community to improve the health, education & financial stability of every person in every community in Erie County. United Way of Buffalo & Erie County mobilizes thousands of people every year to give, advocate, and volunteer to help children reach their full potential, families achieve financial stability, and our whole community maintains good health. For more information, visit www.uwbec.org.
ABOUT NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY FOUNDATION
The National Fuel Gas Company Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation funded entirely by shareholders to better establish the Company’s commitment to the community. As such, we strive to fund innovative programs and initiatives that fall within the pillars of National Fuel’s community giving policies, and promise to advance strong, vibrant, and stable communities. Since 2005, National Fuel, its employees, and the Foundation have given more than $20 million to charitable organizations throughout the U.S.