sonnen Inc. Pledges to Build and Donate Microgrids to Help Bring Emergency Power to the People of Puerto Rico

October 2, 2017

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — German energy storage manufacturer sonnen Inc., the global leader in installed and working residential energy storage systems since 2010 and creator of the “sonnenCommunity,” announced the “Puerto Rico Energy Security Initiative” (PRESI) to help bring energy security to Puerto Rico, where millions of Americans are currently without electricity.

With over 21,000 actual working installations worldwide, sonnen’s energy storage system is uniquely equipped to help provide relief in Puerto Rico, with no delay. In fact, since early 2016, sonnen has had functional energy storage systems installed in Puerto Rico.

sonnen Inc. management has been in communication with its premium partner in Puerto Rico, Pura Energia, since Hurricane Maria hit the island. sonnen and Pura are currently in the process of reaching out to existing customers to ensure that they have critical power and are safe. Still, stable communication between Pura Energia and sonnen has been a challenge due to the extent of the devastation and lack of connectivity on the island. sonnen’s next priority is to work with Pura to identify targeted “emergency relief sites,” where the German energy storage company can provide a stable microgrid that will make a significant impact on each local community. This includes subsidizing the cost of Pura Energia to install both the sonnen unit and the solar array. As soon as the strategic plan is in place with Pura, sonnen will deploy a team of engineers and technicians to help lead the microgrid campaign locally in Puerto Rico, from system design through final installation.

“Our smart energy storage system is uniquely positioned to serve as a critical resource during the emergency in Puerto Rico, as it is a fully integrated system with all the components needed to form a true Microgrid without requiring an initial grid connection,” said Blake Richetta, Senior Vice President and head of sonnen Inc.’s US Business Unit.

“Many energy storage systems on the market today require an initial grid connection, as well as additional parts for set up, in order to form a true off-grid Microgrid. This is not the case for sonnen, as it is a natural capability of our product. Therefore, it is our duty to step in and bring relief to our countrymen in Puerto Rico, as soon as possible.” Prior to joining sonnen, Richetta was North American Sales Manager for Tesla Energy and was charged with selling the Powerwall product.

“Clean and affordable energy for all is the mission of our company. It is what we believe in and it is what drives us every day,” said Christoph Ostermann, founder and CEO of sonnen Inc. “What is happening in Puerto Rico is a tragedy and as fellow human beings, it is our duty to stand firmly with the people of Puerto Rico and do everything possible to help start the rebuilding process. From my perspective, there is a clear connection between our mission to support humanity during a climate disaster and our mission to fight climate change.”

sonnen is specifically targeting emergency medical clinics that require power for the refrigeration of medicine, as well as emergency shelters across the island. sonnen management is also interested in partnering with a clean water filtration company, in order to help complement their effort at each microgrid.

sonnen’s immediate objective is to begin building microgrids as soon as possible using their existing, high-quality, and tested product. It is critical to understand that this program is not “in theory” or “of potential” but is instead immediately viable. Ostermann’s target is to have the first microgrids up and running in less than a month’s time – an ambitious but achievable timeline.

sonnen’s manufacturing and engineering facility in Atlanta, Georgia has been continuously shipping energy storage systems to the island since Hurricane Maria hit and they plan on focusing the factory heavily on the “Puerto Rico initiative” over the next several months.

“Our plan is to ship a batch of our Eco Energy Storage Systems to Puerto Rico every week, while balancing the rest of our growing business in North America,” said Brent Stayer, Vice President of Operations & Quality Control for sonnen Inc. “In fact, we started shipping specifically to support the disaster relief last week. Our biggest challenge at this point will be gaining access to the ports. We remain hopeful that, starting next week, it will become easier to deliver our product to the island.”

The entire operation is contingent upon establishing a stronger line of communication with sonnen’s friends and partners at Pura Energia. “Pura Energia is a well-established, highly respected and recognized name in solar installation in Puerto Rico, we are so lucky to have such a great partner on the ground,” said Carlos Restrepo, Vice President of Technology for sonnen Inc. “The Pura team represents the real heroes here, as they are living within the disaster, working to provide relief for people on the island every day. Without their highly capable team and their passionate work ethic, our campaign would not be feasible.”

About sonnen
At sonnen, we believe clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Sonnen is a proven global leader in intelligent energy management solutions that provide greater energy control for residential customers through increased solar self-consumption, reduced peak energy usage and reliable backup power during outages – contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy future. Sonnen has won several awards for its energy innovations, including the 2017 Zayed Future Energy Prize, MIT’s Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies in 2016, Global Cleantech 100 for 2015-2017, Greentech Media’s 2016 Grid Edge Award for innovation, and Cleantech’s 2015 Company of the Year Award in both Israel and Europe.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/565465/sonnen_Logo.jpg

SOURCE sonnen, Inc.

National PSA Launched to Alert Parents of Potential Window Cord Dangers

October 2, 2017

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — October is National Window Covering Safety Month, a time of heightened public awareness of a hidden danger many parents may overlook—the potential strangulation hazards to young children from window covering cords. The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are urging consumers to check their window coverings for exposed or dangling cords which can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children. WCSC, CPSC and safety experts strongly recommend that consumers use only cordless window coverings or window coverings with inaccessible cords in homes with young children.

The WCSC has just released a national PSA campaign about the potential dangers of corded window coverings to young children and what parents and caregivers can do to help keep children safe. View/share/download here.

“CPSC joins with the window covering industry and safety advocates in recommending that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords be used in homes with young children to prevent window-covering cord strangulations,” said CPSC Acting Chairman, Ann Marie Buerkle. “For homes with children, make certain all window shades, blinds and draperies do not have cords that are within the reach of a child.”

Visit the CPSC Safety Education Center here:

According to the CPSC, corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and children accidentally becoming entangled in window covering cords. To increase public awareness of window covering cord dangers, the WCSC and CPSC have again declared October as National Window Covering Safety Month.

“New industry innovations and safety standards have provided consumers with more choices than ever to obtain cordless products or those with inaccessible cords,” said Window Covering Safety Council Executive Director, Peter Rush. “Parents with young children should replace their corded window coverings with the many cordless products available in different styles, colors and sizes.”

Consumers can easily identify cordless window covering options available at major retailers across the country by looking for the Best for Kids™ certification label on the packaging of a large variety of products. In order to be eligible for this certification, manufacturers must submit their products to a recognized third party test laboratory for review and analysis to determine if they meet the Best for Kids program criteria. For products that meet the criteria, the lab sends a report to the company that these products may be labeled Best for Kids™.

WCSC also encourages parents and caregivers to follow these window covering safety guidelines:

Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace window blinds and corded shades with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords marked with the Best for Kids™ certification label. The label enables you to easily identify products best suited for homes with young children.
Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
When window cords are present, ensure that all window cords are out of sight and reach, by shortening or moving them up and away, so that they are inaccessible to young children.

For more information on window cord safety in the home, visit www.windowcoverings.org. Connect with WCSC on Facebook and Twitter for more home safety information and ideas.

The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings dedicated to educating consumers about window cords safety. The Council also assists and supports its members in the industry’s ongoing efforts to encourage the use of cordless products in homes with young children, its redesign of corded products and to support the national ANSI/WCMA standard for corded window coverings. WCSC’s activities in no way constitute an assumption of any legal duty owed by its members or any other entity.

Contact: Kristen Kurtz
[email protected]
917.561.2406

SOURCE Window Covering Safety Council

MassMutual study finds Latinos feel less secure and worry more about money than other Americans

October 2, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Middle-income Latinos in the workforce say they feel less financially secure and worry more about money than other Americans, posing higher hurdles to planning for retirement and building wealth, according to new research commissioned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual).

Amongst the key findings:

Emergency preparedness. Three in 10 Hispanics reported having less than $500 saved for emergencies, leaving workers unprepared and more likely to struggle if they were out of work for one month or experienced unexpected events. Furthermore, Latinos in the workforce are less likely than others to have at least $5,000 set aside for emergencies (28% vs. 42% of the general population).
Debt. In addition, unlike other consumer segments, the study revealed that debt and bills/cost of living tie as the top issues that face Latinos in their households. Latinos in the workforce find it more difficult than others to manage their monthly finances and nine in ten attribute this difficulty to high levels of debt and not having enough money.
Retirement preparedness. When it comes to preparing for retirement, Hispanics feel they are falling behind, and, more so than others, wish their employer did more to educate them about saving for retirement. Just over half say that having benefits through their employer makes them feel more secure.
Well-being. Among the concerns and obstacles to middle class workers’ financial security, a key concern for Latinos is the well-being of their parents and their own personal health. While, like others, Latinos are most worried about politics and the direction of the country, they are also more likely than others to express concern about their household’s financial situation and housing situation. More than half worry about household finances at least once a week.

“Securing a good financial future requires saving and planning,” says David Hufnagel, Latino market director, MassMutual. “We want to empower families with resources and tools to help achieve their financial goals and prepare financially for the long-term.”

Based on the research findings, MassMutual offers the following tips:

Develop a monthly budget and set up/reallocate priorities for short and long-term financial planning and saving.
Start saving for retirement as soon as possible and find out if your employer offers retirement saving plans. (Contributing a portion of your pay on a pre-tax basis to your employer’s retirement plan may help make saving more affordable. Calculate how much you need to save for retirement using online tools like the MassMutual Retirement Planning Calculator.)
If you have hopes to help fund a college education for children or loved ones, calculate how much it will cast with MassMutual’s college savings calculator.
Take advantage of financial educational opportunities offered by your employer and trusted financial advisors.

“It is no surprise that our study found that Latinos in the workforce would welcome additional financial help and guidance from their employers,” said Hufnagel. “In fact, our research revealed that Latinos show much more interest in employer-offered financial planning/counseling services, especially budgeting assistance and debt counseling, than other consumer segments.”

Methodology

The internet-based study conducted on behalf of MassMutual by Greenwald & Associates from February 28 to March 14, 2017 polled 513 Americans who identified themselves as Hispanic with annual household incomes of between $35,000 and $150,000.

About MassMutual

MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

CONTACT:	María Fernanda Trochimezuk
	[email protected]
	310-696-9585

CRN201909-218461

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/559061/MassMutual_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MassMutual

ASHA and Read Aloud 15 MINUTES Announce New Go-To Resource for Parents of Young Children

October 2, 2017

ROCKVILLE, Md. and ALDEN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Communicating With Baby: Tips and Milestones From Birth to Age 5, a series of seven handouts that detail communication skills that parents should expect to see in their child by age and tips for how to support children’s development, has been released today by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Read Aloud 15 MINUTES.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7921052-asha-read-aloud-15-minutes-communicating-with-baby/

Available in English and Spanish, the handouts cover these age ranges:

Birth–3 months
4–6 months
7–12 months
1–2 years
2–3 years
3–4 years
4–5 years

“From Day 1, babies are learning from the world around them—primarily through listening to their parents talk, read, sing, and otherwise interact with them,” said Bob Robbins, Executive Director, Read Aloud 15 MINUTES. “With this online toolkit, we want to provide parents with advice and easy activities that help them support their babies’ growth during their most rapid period of brain development—their first few years of life. The most powerful things a parent can do to set a child up for success require no money—only time and attention. We want parents to understand how daily reading and verbal exchange start the lifetime path to learning and academic success.”

“This toolkit offers parents vital information on what they should expect their children to be able to do by age in the areas of talking, hearing, and understanding,” said Gail J. Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2017 ASHA President. “Some parents may question whether their child’s communication development is on track. The detailed lists of milestones included here can help either set parents’ minds at ease or empower them to seek an evaluation if they see that their child is lagging behind on certain skills. Any communication delay or disorder is most effectively treated when addressed early, and some can be prevented altogether. This information gives parents the tools they need to monitor their child’s communication development with confidence.”

Certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists, pediatricians, early childhood educators, librarians, and any other professionals who interact with young children are also welcome to use this free resource—either electronically or in print.

Anyone with concerns about a child’s communication abilities should seek an evaluation from a certified audiologist or speech-language pathologist. More information, and a searchable database of these professionals, is available at http://IdentifytheSigns.org. More information about the benefits of reading aloud to children daily can be found at www.readaloud.org.

ASHA:
Francine Pierson
301-296-8715
[email protected]

Read Aloud 15 MINUTES:
Bob Robbins
231- 409-2665
[email protected]

SOURCE American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Read Aloud 15 MINUTES

Olympusat channels moving to a new satellite

October 2, 2017

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Olympusat, Inc., one of the largest independent media companies specializing in the ownership, distribution, production and technical services of Spanish and English-language networks, announced the process of moving its network program services to satellite SES-1@101 Degrees West on November 30, 2017.

At the moment Olympusat transmits 35 HD and SD Television networks over Transponders 19 and 20 on the Intelsat Galaxy 23 @ 121 Degrees West (G-23). Intelsat which operates G-23 will over time be changing that satellite to a “Back-Up” satellite, thus making it no longer available for Olympusat’s transponders.

Olympusat started a “Dual Illumination” period to both G-23 & SES-1 transponders in early September 2017. This Dual Illumination period will end on November 30th, 2017. Therefore, all downlink sites must make this satellite change before November 30, 2017 in order to receive the Olympusat’s network program services.

There will be no changes necessary with respect to the equipment/IRD/satellite receivers that operators are currently utilizing to downlink Olympusat’s network program services. The operations team will only need to adjust the satellite and transponder/frequency and for some specific “Transcoding IRDs” you may need to be re-authorized.

The following network are effected by the transition from G23 to SES-1: TOKU HD, SONLIFE HD, COWBOY CHANNEL HD, RFD HD, CUBA PLAY SD, ONTV 4 U (National Sat Feed), CRTV (DIRECTV feed), LIQUIDATION CHANNEL SD, CRTV/WOW (VERIZON & FRONTIER FIOS ONLY), LOVE WORLD, GRAN CINE SD, SORPRESA SD, ULTRA FAMILIA SD, ENLACE SD, TV CHILE SD, ALTAVISION SD, CINE MEXICANO SD, TELE N SD, TOKU SD, UPLIFTV, BYU (BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY), G04IT SHOPPING (VERIZON & FRONTIER FIOS ONLY), DAYSTAR TELEVISION NETWORK, COWBOY CHANNEL SD, TBN SD, HILLSONG CHANNEL SD, JUCE, SMILE OF A CHILD, SONLIFE SD, UPLIFTV (DIRECTV ONLY), GOD TV, EWTN and UNTAMED SPORTS.

For technical instructions regarding this change please email your contact information, system or Headend name and address to this email: [email protected]

Olympusat – Technical Operations Contact:

Eric Bressler
VP Technical Operations
[email protected]
561-472-2867

SOURCE Olympusat, Inc.

Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation Launches “Commit to Love” Campaign

October 2, 2017

ENCINO, Calif., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation today announced the launch of its “Commit to Love” campaign, a national effort to decrease racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer deaths in the U.S. The campaign will raise awareness about the lack of diversity in breast cancer research and encourage women of all ethnicities — regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with breast cancer — to join Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation’s Army of Women^®, the nation’s largest research population dedicated to mobilizing a future without breast cancer.

An African-American woman diagnosed with breast cancer today is 42% more likely to die from the disease than a white woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among Latinas and it is the second leading cause of death among Asians and Pacific Islanders. Yet, as in other areas of medical research, women of color are underrepresented. Studies show that only 12% of Latinas, 6% of African Americans, and 7% of Asian and Pacific Islanders are represented in national research efforts.

“The ability of researchers to study how breast cancer specifically and uniquely affects women of color — and how best to treat it — will remain critically compromised until we have more women of color enrolled in breast cancer research studies,” said Dr. Susan Love, Chief Visionary Officer of Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. “Our goal is to have the Commit to Love campaign inspire all communities to join the Army of Women, ensuring that no researcher has an excuse for lack of diversity among their participants.”

“Commit to Love” is anchored by an innovative five-part online video series that captures powerful testimonials from three women—an African-American, a Latina, and an Asian—who have been personally affected by breast cancer. Their stories shine a spotlight on the critical need to diversify breast cancer research participants.

To broaden the campaign’s reach, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is collaborating with Share Cancer Support and the Tigerlily Foundation, as well as other advocacy groups. Share Cancer Support educates and empowers women of all ethnicities facing breast and ovarian cancer. The Tigerlily Foundation is committed to providing education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on-support to young women, ages 15-45 years old, before, during and after breast cancer.

“Commit to Love” is the most recent example of the Foundation’s commitment to visionary research, accessible educational resources, and inclusive community engagement. It will also raise renewed awareness around the Foundation’s groundbreaking Army of Women program, which forges partnerships between women and men and the scientific community, teaches them about the clinical research process, and connects them with innovative research studies.

Army of Women has, to date, enrolled over 380,000 women and men in research studies that range from investigating the causes of breast cancer and prevention to exploring survivors’ quality of life to finding new treatments for metastatic breast cancer. With “Commit to Love,” Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation hopes to increase the number of women of color who learn about and enroll in the program.

To learn more about the campaign and join the movement, visit CommitToLove.org.

About Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation:
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is dedicated to mobilizing a future without breast cancer by igniting visionary, collaborative research and a distinctive approach to education. The Foundation makes innovative breast cancer research possible by generating bold ideas and enlisting the best experts, both inside and outside of the field of cancer research, to understand the complex nature of breast cancer, and the experience of those impacted by the disease. Its approach to education reflects an understanding of the patient, the doctor and research advances, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge to be their own health advocate.

The Foundation’s cutting-edge research includes: 1) A collaboration with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to understand the structure of the breast ducts and ultimately construct a 3D map of the breast ductal system; and 2) The Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Collateral Damage project, which pioneered a novel approach to understanding the breast cancer experience using crowd-sourced information to uncover the hidden physical, financial, and psychological costs of living with breast cancer that has metastasized.

Learn more at DrSusanLoveResearch.org, and connect with the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LC-gXJWEoE

SOURCE Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation

Untamed Sports Reaches The Treasure Valley on Idaho TV 22 KRID

September 29, 2017

Untamed Sports Reaches The Treasure Valley on Idaho TV 22 KRID

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Sept. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Olympusat, Inc., one of the largest independent media companies specializing in the ownership, distribution, production and technical services of Spanish and English-language networks, announced that Untamed Sports, the TV network specifically designed to provide a gateway for the individuals who are devoted to outdoor sports and recreation, is set for launch next Sunday, October 1^st on Idaho TV 22 KRID.

As part of its efforts to connect more viewers with adventurous programming, Untamed Sports widens its distribution, satisfying the entertainment needs of extreme sports, hunting, fishing, rafting, racing and trekking fans in the U.S. This adrenaline-packed network, combines a passion for action and sportsmanship providing adventure, field, power and shooting sports, along with outdoor adventure series.

“The Treasure Valley has a unique complete outdoor lifestyle from snow skiing at Bogus Basin, to river rafting on the Boise River,” said Karlo Maalouf, Owner of Idaho TV 22 KRID. “Untamed Sports Programing will complement the outdoor living we enjoy.”

Charles Mohler, President of Olympusat Holdings, added, “Idaho TV 22 KRID is a great stride in the distribution of our network, as well as in our commitment to offer top-notch entertainment, while providing a portal to new experiences and meaningful interactions with the outdoor sports community.”

The Idaho TV 22 KRID audience can now enjoy more outdoor content and entertainment, including fan-favorite programming such as Charlie Moore: No Offense, Honda Racing, Pro Watercross, Sledhead, Fish TV, Birding Adventures, and Safari Hunters Journal.

Idaho TV 22 KRID prides itself on being one of the first new TV Super Station to broadcast horizontally and vertically. Achieving the best signal penetration, covering nearly 700,000 people with nearly 30,000 watts ERP.

To learn more about Olympusat’s networks and the company’s industry-leading efforts, please visit olympusat.com.

Olympusat – Editorial Contact:
Jesús Piñango
561-249-5228
[email protected]

SOURCE Olympusat, Inc.

Verizon Foundation commits an additional $4 Million to support long term relief efforts for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane Maria recovery continues

September 29, 2017

Verizon Communications Inc.

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Verizon Chairman & CEO Lowell McAdam today announced the company is quintupling its support for the residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to a total of $5 Million, as the magnitude of recovery and relief efforts has become more clear.

“We have a strong connection to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through our customers and employees,” McAdam said. “And while we don’t offer direct service to the Caribbean, we are working with federal agencies and our roaming partners to provide additional assistance during this crisis.”

The company previously announced a $1 Million pledge to fund Hurricane Maria relief efforts. Those funds are supporting immediate relief efforts of the American Red Cross and World Vision. Organizations that will receive the additional $4 Million announced will be named as the Verizon Foundation and local authorities identify organizations that can provide significant long-term recovery assistance.

Providing additional financial support to residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Verizon is matching employees’ contributions, dollar-for-dollar, to select hurricane relief-focused organizations.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 163,400 and generated nearly $126 billion in 2016 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary houses more than 50 media and technology brands that engage about 1 billion people around the world.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at www.verizon.com/about/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

The Home Depot Foundation Increases Disaster Relief Commitment to $3 Million

September 29, 2017

ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^® Foundation today announced an additional commitment of $500,000 to support relief efforts for Hurricane Maria, raising its total financial support to $3 million for communities impacted by recent disasters, including Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/564644/The_Home_Depot_Foundation_Hurricane_Relief_1.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/564645/The_Home_Depot_Foundation_Hurricane_Relief_2.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/564646/The_Home_Depot_Foundation_Hurricane_Relief_3.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/564647/The_Home_Depot_Foundation_Hurricane_Relief_4.jpg

“Over the past few weeks, it has been heartbreaking to witness the level of devastation in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “After assessing the damage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we have increased our commitment in these areas by an additional $500,000. We will continue to work closely with our nonprofit partners to provide short-term relief and rebuilding efforts for those affected by these tragic storms and earthquakes.”

The Home Depot Foundation will provide support in collaboration with several nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, Team Rubicon and other local nonprofits. In addition, The Homer Fund, The Home Depot’s employee assistance program, has helped nearly 5,000 associates affected by the recent disasters by providing urgent emergency financial assistance.

About The Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving the homes and lives of U.S. veterans and their families with a specific focus on combat-wounded, senior and homeless veterans. The foundation also provides cleanup and rebuilding support for communities affected by natural disasters.

Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested approximately $200 million in veteran-related projects, part of the foundation’s quarter of billion-dollar pledge to veteran-related causes by 2020. In partnership with Team Depot, the 400,000-strong army of associate volunteers, the organization has positively impacted more than 33,000 veterans’ homes and helped more than 2,000 communities.

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation and see Team Depot in action visit homedepot.com/teamdepot and follow us on Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram @teamdepot and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/teamdepot.

For hurricane-related information about The Home Depot’s operations, please visit corporate.homedepot.com/newsroom.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/564649/THE_HOME_DEPOT_LOGO.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

Green for Puerto Rico – MCS Announces $1 Million Challenge Campaign to Help Puerto Rico Recover from Hurricanes

September 29, 2017

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MCS Healthcare Holdings, LLC. (MCS) announced today its commitment to match dollar for dollar contributions up to $500,000 in support of Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricanes Irma and María, with a goal of raising at least $1 million for Puerto Rico’s recovery from the two devastating storms.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and María, Puerto Rico’s horizon, devoid of its traditional, lush green leaves and blossoming landscape, has become symbolic of what has happened to the Island and our people overall. Damaged trees, broken buildings, sad faces and long lines litter the view in Puerto Rico. While we work together to rebuild Puerto Rico, today, MCS announces its “Green for Puerto Rico” Challenge. Under this $1 Million funding campaign, MCS will match up to $500,000 of contributions to the Alianza por Más Compromiso Social, Inc. (the MCS Foundation) to be earmarked for use for hurricane relief. The MCS Foundation will donate 100% percent of the funds raised to other tax exempt non-profit organizations focused on children and/or health, consistent with its mission.

Beneficiaries will include Unidos por Puerto Rico, an initiative launched by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, and other certified charities based on needs caused by the hurricanes.

Jim O’Drobinak, CEO of MCS commented, “MCS has been proudly serving Puerto Rico for 35 years, and in these difficult moments, we step forward strongly to act on our commitment to be leaders in pushing forward the rebuilding efforts for our people. Many stateside friends have asked us, “How can I help Puerto Rico?” With the “Green for Puerto Rico Challenge, MCS will put its “Green” alongside yours, doubling the impact of your contribution on efforts to help Puerto Rico recover.” Tax-deductible contributions to the Green for Puerto Rico Challenge can be made via PayPal, debit or credit card. The MCS will guarantee 100% of the aid received through www.greenforpuertorico.org will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000 and donated to entities dedicated to looking after the community’s recovery needs.

Eduardo Carrera, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico added, “MCS has been a great partner of ours throughout the years. With many schools closed or impaired, we can play a huge role in supporting the families and children of Puerto Rico get on their feet again.”

MCS recognizes that everyone has the potential to be an active part of the effort to make Puerto Rico green again, for our healthcare, for our economic development, and for our children. A united and caring island stands up. Puerto Rico will be green again and together we will demonstrate why we are the Isla del Encanto. Join up, Puerto Rico needs us – Vívelo Verde.

About MCS Foundation

Over the last seven years, MCS has donated over $4 million to worthwhile charitable causes all over Puerto Rico, directly or through the Alianza por Más Compromiso Social (MCS Foundation), a Section 1101.01 organization, and through our MCS Sponsorship Program. In addition to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, previous recipients of MCS grants have included Caras Las Américas, Instituto Psicopedagógico de Puerto Rico, Instituto Nueva Escuela and Jóvenes de Puerto Rico en Riesgo, among others. For more information on the MCS Foundation, please see our website at www.mcsfoundationpr.org.

About Unidos por Puerto Rico

United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.

About Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico

Boys and Girls Club is a 50-year old non-profit organization that leads afterschool programs and services for boys, girls and youth between six and 18 years old. We offer them a creative and safe haven where they can develop into leaders able to reach their academic, personal and professional goals. Our innovative program is focused on career and entrepreneurship development, and we provide them the resources they need to obtain a dignifying job that may secure their financial stability. Last year, we served more than 19,000 thousand girls, boys, youth and families; and we employ more than 300 professionals island-wide. We have 13 clubs, located in Río Piedras’ Ramos Antonini housing project, Santurce’s Las Margaritas and Luis Llorens Torres housing projects, Mayaguez’s F.D. Roosevelt housing project, Villa Carolina, San Lorenzo, Carolina’s Torres de Sabana housing project, Arecibo, Aguas Buenas, Bayamón, Loíza, Vieques and Isabela. For more information, please visit our website: bgcpr.org, or call 787.728.4040.

About MCS

For 35 years, Medical Card System, Inc. (MCS) has been one of the local health industry’s leading companies. Since its founding, MCS has established a solid reputation in the market for providing excellent quality services and competitive products. MCS Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of MCS, offers a wide array of commercial health plans for groups and individuals, as well as group life insurance. MCS Advantage, Inc., through its MCS Classicare products, offers an extensive variety of Medicare Advantage coverage aimed at promoting quality of life and wellness to Puerto Rico’s Medicare population.

SOURCE MCS Healthcare Holdings, LLC. (MCS)

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