Comcast Donates $250,000 to Tornado Relief Efforts.

During a check presentation to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley today, Comcast, one of the world's leading media, entertainment and communications companies, announced a quarter of a million dollars in contributions to several charities engaged in disaster relief efforts. The charities include: the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund; the American Red Cross; and one of its local chapters, the Red Cross of West Alabama. Comcast presents Alabama Governor Bentley with a $200,000 check to assist with tornado relief efforts in the state. Pictured, from left to right are: Patricia Collins, Senior Director of Government Affairs - Delta Area; Governor Bentley; John Butts, Technical Operations Supervisor - Tuscaloosa; Homer Butler, Jr., Executive Director - United Way of West Alabama; Douglas Wells, Regional Vice President of Government Affairs - Mid-South Region; Stacy Cole, Director, Government & Community Affairs - Central Division; Michael Wall, Senior Director of State Government Affairs - Central Division.

Specifically, the Comcast Foundation is donating $200,000 to Governor Bentley's Emergency Relief Fund which will be administered by the Governor's Office on Faith Based and Community Initiatives with the United Ways of Alabama serving as the fiscal agent. This Fund acts as a clearing house for donations designated for those severely impacted by tornado and storm damage.

Homer Butler, Jr., Executive Director of the United Way of West Alabama, attended the check presentation and stated, "Comcast and the United Way of West Alabama have a longstanding relationship. Comcast has been very supportive of the United Way of West Alabama and its programs. We are very grateful to Comcast for making such funds available for the recovery efforts in our area. The tornados caused tremendous devastation and this gift will be used to help many families. Thank you," remarked Butler.

"Comcast is a true example of corporate citizenship of the highest order, and we are humbled by the charitable gift that will help get the necessary supplies and relief to our fellow citizens so they can recover and rebuild their lives after the tornado outbreak," said Governor Bentley. "I appreciate the generosity of Comcast and their commitment to Alabama families."

Comcast will also make two additional contributions of $25,000 each to the local Red Cross of West Alabama and to the National Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Comcast and its local employees have been working around the clock to restore communication services to affected markets throughout Northern Alabama and the Southeast resulting in services being restored to the vast majority of customers. Although system damage continues to be assessed in the most devastated areas, plans for rebuilding are well underway. Comcast will be investing millions of dollars for infrastructure repairs to maintain communication services in those areas hardest hit by these tragic storms.

"We are committed to be there when our customers and employees are in need," said Terry Kennedy, Market Vice President for Comcast. "Since day one, Comcast employees have been working side by side with our fellow Alabamians in the restoration efforts."

In addition to cash contributions and rebuilding efforts, Comcast has established two disaster relief communication centers in Tuscaloosa. These centers enable local residents, whose services were affected by the storm, access to Comcast High-Speed Internet services and Comcast Digital Voice, to make local, long distance and some international calls, all free of charge. These sites are located at the Belk Center, which is the largest shelter in the city, and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church which offers Spanish speaking assistance to the Hispanic community.

"We are strongly committed to the communities we serve in Alabama and our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this tragedy," said John Barrett, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast's Mid South Region. "Our contributions will help those hit the hardest with both personal needs and also with the restoration efforts taking place across the state." About Comcast Foundation The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities-promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow's leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $90 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the world's leading media, entertainment, and communications companies. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6729408&lang=en

Keywords: Cable Television Companies, Industry, Politics, Service Companies, State Government.

This article was prepared by Politics & Government Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Politics & Government Week via VerticalNews.com.