ISA Reaches Out To Hurricane Victims With Relief Fundraiser

In response to the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Ike, which hit the Gulf Coast states as a Category Two storm on September 13, the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) has announced a hurricane relief fundraising program to be held in conjunction with the ISA EXPO, October 14 through 16 at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX. ISA also announced a pledge to match funds collected up to $10,000. ISA will collect financial donations throughout ISA EXPO 2008, and will dedicate Tuesday evening's industry reception to the relief effort with a silent auction to raise money for the American Red Cross' Hurricane Ike disaster relief fund. The organization is providing shelter, food and emotional support to tens of thousands of residents. And with more than 200 shelters opened across several states, the Red Cross and its partners have provided more than 100,000 overnight stays to people affected by the hurricane. The organization is also working to feed and offer mental health counseling to help both victims and emergency personnel. Companies can donate in three key ways:

• Pledge to match the funds raised by ISA EXPO 2008 attendees. This is the most significant gift a company can give-to match a percentage of the generosity of the individuals attending the expo.
• Send a one-time donation to ISA, in the form of a check made out to the American Red Cross, to support the effort.
• Donate a $250 or more valued gift to the silent auction. ISA is asking for consumer items, and logos are welcome on the donations.

Individuals can donate by bringing cash or checks made out to the American Red Cross to the ISA EXPO. Individuals can also bid on dozens of items at the silent auction, held during the industry reception on Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Because of the critical time sensitivity of the disaster relief effort, ISA asks that companies respond with their matching fund pledges and silent auction gifts as soon as possible. ISA will accept one-time donations through the conclusion of ISA EXPO on October 16. "The Red Cross can't do their important work without the support of the community-our community. After all, these are our colleagues, our friends, our customers and our suppliers, and we'll support them and help them rebuild," says ISA Executive Director and CEO Patrick Gouhin.