RUDEN MCCLOSKY MAKES $145,000 DONATION FOR KATRINA RELIEF TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The Ruden McClosky law firm announced it has donated $145,270 for Katrina relief efforts to The American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Fund. Checks from the firm's attorneys and staff totaling $145, 270 were presented to representatives of the American Red Cross Broward County Chapter at Ruden McClosky's Fort Lauderdale office on September 27.

David Lane, Executive Director of Ruden McClosky led the firm's fundraising campaign. Lane explained, 'On September 2, the Firm's partners challenged all attorneys and staff to contribute funds for the American Red Cross's relief efforts in the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast. Through a matching funds program, the Firm offered to match each partner's donation 'dollar for dollar', and for each associate or staff member, the Firm matched $4 per each dollar donated.' The total contribution from attorneys, staff and the firm was $145,270.

According to Managing Partner Carl Schuster, 'We had an overwhelming response to the challenge. Personnel in each of our ten Florida offices participated. I believe we all feel very fortunate, living in a state that could just as easily have had a similar disaster. We are glad to be able to contribute in this way.'

Dr. Richard Meli, a Board Member of the American Red Cross Broward County Chapter, and Valerie Preston Mercado, the organization's Corporate Relations and Special Events Manager accepted the donation on behalf of the American Red Cross.

It is estimated that more than $2 billion will be required to meet the organization's cost for the emergency needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors alone. According to The American Red Cross, this sum is 20 times greater than the relief provided by the Red Cross for all hurricanes in 2004. This assessment is based on the nearly one million people who require meals, shelter, financial assistance, physical and mental health services and other essential services. For more information visit www.redcross.org.