GOSHEN, Ind. — In response to the overwhelming generosity of its members and community, Everence® is pleased to announce the expansion of its Everence Helps: Hurricane Relief matching gift initiative aimed at supporting ongoing hurricane recovery assistance efforts.
Since the initiative’s launch on Oct. 14, 2024, Everence members, clients and employees have contributed nearly $68,000 – exceeding the organization’s initial $50,000 challenge. To further amplify this collective impact, Everence is adding another $50,000 to the initiative, bringing the total dollar-for-dollar match to $100,000 and the total potential impact of the matching gift initiative to $200,000.
“Given the ongoing need and the generous support we’ve already received, we feel compelled to deepen our commitment to help our neighbors in need,” said Ken Hochstetler, Everence President and CEO. “Mutual support and caring for one another are foundational to who we are as an organization. We hope that, through our shared commitment to one another, we can help bring some comfort, healing and hope to those affected by these disasters.”
Humanitarian assistance organizations receiving support
Recognizing that assistance is critical both now and into the future, Everence is directing $120,000 of the funds raised and matched thus far to humanitarian assistance organizations providing aid to communities impacted by the 2024 hurricanes:
- Brethren Disaster Ministries – A program of the Church of the Brethren, providing immediate emergency relief, early recovery and cleanup, long-term rebuilding and volunteer mobilization to assist hurricane-affected areas.
- Christian Aid Ministries – An Anabaptist-related nonprofit providing rapid response clean-up and rebuilding assistance in Georgia and Florida.
- Christian Disaster Relief – An organization sponsored by Church of God in Christ (Mennonite) providing immediate disaster relief assistance.
- Church World Service – An ecumenical humanitarian organization providing emergency preparedness, response, and recovery assistance in the U.S. and globally, including support for communities affected by hurricanes.
- Mennonite Disaster Service – A faith-based organization providing emergency response, recovery, and rebuilding assistance in the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on communities impacted by natural disasters, including hurricanes.
- Samaritan’s Purse – A Christian organization providing emergency aid, disaster relief, and recovery efforts to communities impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Opportunities to contribute
Individuals, churches, or organizations looking to participate in the matching gift initiative may contribute through Dec. 31, 2024, via monetary donations, donor advised fund distributions, IRA qualified charitable distributions, or charitable gifts of public securities and farm commodities.All donations made as part of the Everence Helps: Hurricane Relief initiative will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Everence, up to the new total of $100,000. The matched funds will further support organizations and partners in their continued efforts to restore homes, livelihoods and hope to affected individuals, families and communities.
Contributions must be made payable to Everence Foundation, the donor-driven charitable services arm of Everence, and designated for "Everence Helps: Hurricane Relief." For additional details on how to donate or to learn more, visit everence.com/everence-helps.