Contact: Sue Tucker, 240-777-6530

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2002

KOREAN ASSOCIATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON
PRESENTS CHECK TO LOCAL CHAPTER OF RED CROSS

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today joined members of the Korean Association of Greater Washington as they presented a $24,000 check to the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The funds were collected from the group's membership following the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. Montgomery County's efforts to educate and protect its residents following September 11 prompted the Association to donate the money to the Montgomery County branch of the Red Cross.

Accepting the check on behalf of the Red Cross was Richard Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Chapter and Leslie Mostow, Vice Chair, Montgomery County Chapter.

"I want to thank the Korean Association of Greater Washington for their generous contribution that will enable us to provide disaster relief and other critical services to the people of Montgomery County," said Wolfe. "I wish to further thank Mr. Duncan for his ongoing support of the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the many other local non-profit organizations which contribute so much to the quality of life here in Montgomery County."

In expressing his appreciation to the Korean Association for its generosity, Duncan took the opportunity to remind residents that a Community Caring Fund was established in December to help local non-profit agencies recoup the loss of financial donations in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

"Because of the tremendous outpouring of generosity that we have all shown in direct response to September's national tragedy, contributions to traditional community charities are lower than in years past," said Duncan. "Because of this, I have established the Community Caring Fund with the proceeds going directly to the many community charities in Montgomery County that provide care for those in need."

Persons wishing to support the fund may send donations to: Community Caring Fund, c/o Montgomery County United Way, 15245 Shady Grove Rd., Rockville, MD 20850.