An anonymous gift increased contributions to the annual Times Free Press Neediest Cases fund to almost $100,000.
After reading last week that the fund raised more than $48,000 over the holiday season, an anonymous donor more than matched the amount, making 2009 one of the largest collection years in the more-than-90-year history of the Neediest Cases.
“Chattanooga is known as a community that comes together to find solutions, a community with a can-do spirit,” the donor wrote.
“As Chattanoogans like many others struggled with the pressures from an economic downturn, the spirit and willingness to give to others who are less fortunate did not wane,” the donor wrote. “I am proud and fortunate to share in the benefits of living here where the community offers a hand up to those in need.”
Ruth Holmberg, publisher emeritus of The Chattanooga Times, said the donation was a validation of the “great work” provided by the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.
The Partnership each year receives assistance through the newspaper’s fund, and donations have increased consistently since 2005.
Donations during 2009 were at the highest levels since 2000 before the $50,000 anonymous donation. More than 400 donors in total gave $98,713.
“While records were set earlier, the generous contribution from an anonymous donor makes this year’s Neediest Cases even more meaningful,” said Tom Griscom, publisher and executive editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
“With a greater number of families and others impacted by the economy, providing more resources to fulfill requests to the Partnership is important,” Mr. Griscom said. “For everyone at the newspaper and throughout the community, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed and to our anonymous donor is extended.”
The anonymous donor stated that the contribution was “for all of those who dug deep to help others.”
From Thanksgiving until the end of the year, the Times Free Press asks readers to donate to the fund, which the Partnership uses throughout the year to fulfill needs not met through other sources.
Former Chattanooga Times Publisher Adolph S. Ochs began the Neediest Cases fund in 1914, and it continued after the merger of the two local newspapers in 1999.