For immediate release: September 1, 2005
Contact: Leigh Tofferi - (802) 371-3205

Hurricane Relief

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont Wires Funds To Hurricane Relief Fund

Berlin, VT – Recognizing a desperate need for funds to bring help and medical care to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) today contributed $10,000 toward a special relief fund being developed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and administered by the American Red Cross.

"It's impossible to see the devastation and human suffering caused by this tragedy and not want to help," said William R. Milnes, Jr., President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont. "We hope that this contribution, made on behalf of our customers and members, can bring some measure of relief to the victims of this terrible natural disaster."

Milnes said that in addition to the corporate contribution by BCBSVT, the company's employees also have initiated a fundraising effort for the hurricane victims.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) joins many of its sister Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the nation in raising funds to aid relief in the most recent hurricane disaster. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association said it hopes to raise a total of $1 million from its independent member plans to contribute to the American Red Cross relief efforts.

BCBSVT joined a similar effort by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans to raise funds to help relief efforts following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

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