GOSHEN, Ind. — As communities in the southeastern United States work to recover and rebuild from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2024, Everence® is committing a total of $100,000 to support relief efforts. This includes an immediate contribution of $50,000 to Mennonite Disaster Service and another $50,000 to kick off Everence Helps: Hurricane Relief, a matching gift initiative aimed at bolstering hurricane recovery efforts.
From Oct. 14 to Dec. 31, 2024, Everence will match donations made to Everence Foundation dollar-for-dollar – up to $50,000 – to enhance the charitable impact of contributions aimed at helping survivors restore their homes, revitalize their communities, and rebuild their futures. Everence Foundation is the donor-driven charitable services arm of Everence.
“Generosity and mutual caring are at the heart of who we are at Everence,” said Ken Hochstetler, Everence President and CEO. “Our members are called, in a variety of ways, to care for each other in uncertain times. This matching gift initiative embodies our commitment to these shared values, allowing us to extend meaningful support to those in need.”
Individuals, churches or organizations looking to participate in the matching gift initiative may contribute through monetary donations, distributions from donor advised funds, or charitable gifts of publicly traded securities and farm commodities. Everence encourages donor participation in the matching gift initiative even above and beyond the dollar-for-dollar match limit, to maximize their support of those affected by the disaster. One hundred percent of all funds raised will be directed to trusted partner organizations and agencies actively working to support those impacted by the hurricanes and rebuild their communities.
“Everence was founded nearly 80 years ago to extend mutual aid to others in times of need,” Hochstetler emphasized. “Today, that calling is more urgent than ever, as natural disasters take a heavy toll on the most vulnerable among us – physically, emotionally and economically. As people of faith, it is our responsibility to support our neighbors in the face of great challenges.”
For details on how to donate or to learn more about the Everence matching gift initiative for hurricane relief, visit everence.com/everence-helps.