It’s a combined cash and in-kind donation of $800,000 to assist the relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts of the communities affected by tornadoes in recent weeks. According to the NOAA, April set a new record for the month with 875 tornadoes, surpassing the previous record of 267. The wave of severe storms continued in May and impacted multiple communities Cox serves.
“This series of storms has brought shocking devastation, and I’m proud of the response from our employees and businesses to help their neighbors and communities in need,” said Jimmy Hayes, president and CEO of Cox Enterprises. “Cox is committed to helping our employees and the communities we serve – it’s part of our legacy.”
In addition to a $100,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross, Cox subsidiaries have used their resources to assist those in need.
Cox Media Group harnessed the power of its radio and television stations to promote giving opportunities. And AutoTrader.com raised awareness for disaster recovery through web banner ads. Together, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com donated more than $700,000 of in-kind services. The PSAs and web banners promoted fundraisers such as the Tornado Relief Telethon in Birmingham, Alabama Governor Bentley’s Disaster Relief Fund and giving to the American Red Cross. Collectively, the events Cox promoted have raised nearly $1 million in additional donations.
Multiple Cox properties also collected toiletries for victims. Basic paper items such as paper towels, toilet paper and diapers are in extreme need.
During the storms, Cox Media Group’s media properties in Birmingham (98.7 Kiss FM, 104.7 WZZK, 610 WAGG, 95.7 JAMZ, 106.9 The Eagle, 97.3 The Buck and WENN) and Atlanta (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV Channel 2, AM 750 and 95.5FM News/Talk WSB, Kiss 104.1, B98.5 FM and 97.1 The River) provided vital information. Each station covered the events around the clock and released warnings over the air and on their websites and Twitter pages. Cox Media Group’s Tulsa radio stations (News-Talk KRMG AM 740/FM 102.3, K95.5FM, Mix 96 and Star 103.3) provided the same critical services during the recent tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri, and parts of Oklahoma.
