Cox Pledges $1 Million for Tornado Victims

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 8:10am CT

Cox Enterprises, in partnership with The James M. Cox Foundation, announced today $1 million in support to assist the relief and recovery efforts of the communities affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. The contribution includes a $500,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross and $500,000 of in-kind support, including public service announcements.

"Cox Enterprises is committed to supporting the victims of this terrible storm," said Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. "As a company that operates multiple businesses in Oklahoma, we are committed to helping our employees and the communities we serve recover from this disaster. In providing this assistance, we also encourage others to support the local relief and recovery efforts."

Cox operates multiple companies in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, including: Cox Communications, Total Resource Auctions - Oklahoma City, Total Resource Auctions - Tulsa, News Talk KRMG, Fox23, My41, News Talk KRMG, K95, Mix 96 and Rock 103. "In this difficult time of recovery and rebuilding, our hearts go out to the families affected by the tornadoes," said Percy Kirk, senior vice president and general manager, Cox Communications Oklahoma. "This gift is a symbol of our commitment to our community and it is our hope that it will provide comfort and relief to many."

In addition to the cash donation and in-kind public service announcements, Cox's local media properties in Tulsa are hosting a series of community fundraisers.

Cox's impacted employees also have the opportunity to receive support through the Cox Employee Relief Fund (CERF). Created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the fund provides essential assistance to Cox employees and their families who are impacted by disasters. Since 2005, CERF has provided more than $3 million to assist more than 1,600 employees affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other devastating events.