January 11, 2005

In response to the devastation resulting from the tsunami in Southeast Asia, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (PGAFF) today made three grants of $500,000 each (totaling $1.5 million) to Northwest Medical Teams, Mercy Corps, and World Vision. Each of these organizations is based in the Pacific Northwest and involves (and employs) citizens from this region in the relief efforts.

"The Foundation understands the need for urgent assistance," said Jo Allen Patton, executive director of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, "and want to immediately support the critical work being done in Asia. We are cognizant of the pleas made by relief agency officials, and others who have spent time in the areas of devastation that funds need to be forthcoming quickly so that relief efforts continue without interruption. In addition, we understand the medium and long-term assistance needs for rebuilding programs, and will continue to evaluate our level of support moving forward."

In addition to the $1.5 million contributed directly by the Foundation, the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises (both owned by Allen), collected funds from fans and players of both teams at recent home games, resulting in another $220,000 raised to support tsunami relief efforts. The funds raised by the sports teams will also assist Mercy Corps’ and Northwest Medical Teams’ emergency response to the individuals who were affected by this disaster.

"We express our deepest gratitude to the Allen Family Foundation on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people who will receive hope and healing from this generous gift,” said Bas Vanderzalm, president of Northwest Medical Teams. “Ninety-six percent of everything given to NW Medical Teams goes directly to the field where our volunteer doctors and nurses are working tirelessly. We are also thrilled by the amazing support of the sports teams and their fans who gave so generously."

Click here for more information about the local Tsunami Relief Efforts