The Arthur M. Blank Foundation has announced a $1 million pledge in support of disaster relief in the Gulf Coast region in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

The American Red Cross and Greater New Orleans Foundation will each receive $500,000 to address needs across Louisiana and Mississippi, which were hit earlier this week by the Category 4 storm. According to the Blank Foundation, the Red Cross is on the ground working to help those affected by the hurricane, and GNOF is supporting nonprofit partners that will be critical to addressing various problems caused by the storm.

"This storm's impact on many people and communities will be felt for some time and that includes many of our family, friends, and associates across our portfolio of businesses and foundation who have personal connections to the Gulf Coast," said Blank, who joined the Giving Pledge in 2012. "Many of the communities being devastated by this storm are already reeling from COVID. So many are without power, and resources are already stretched thin, so it is not only impacting those who were in the storm's path, but also those who've been called upon to help those areas get back on their feet. We are in a time of crisis, and we're so grateful for the first responders, healthcare workers, and other public servants who are already going above and beyond. We hope to play a small part in helping those communities recover by supporting two organizations providing relief on the ground. We encourage others to join the effort to lift those impacted by this storm."