Public-private partnership helps Benton County households affected by storms

Area government, business and philanthropic organizations are partnering to provide short-term financial assistance to Benton County households impacted by the May 26 tornadoes and severe weather.

By: Jeff Della Rosa
Talk Business & Politics

Area government, business and philanthropic organizations are partnering to provide short-term financial assistance to Benton County households impacted by the May 26 tornadoes and severe weather.

According to a Wednesday (June 5) news release, the group has launched the Benton County Relief Fund to help those affected by the storms. So far, the fund has received contributions from Rogers-based Excellerate Foundation, Walton Family Foundation and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

The fund will also support area nonprofit service providers in their disaster responses for Benton County and its communities. Additional details on the support will be released in the coming days.

“The only thing more staggering than the damage wreaked by these storms is the outpouring of generosity we’ve seen,” Benton County Judge Barry Moehring said. “A tremendous amount of calls has come in from folks wanting to help with the ongoing relief efforts. The question has been, ‘Where can we tell them to go?’”

In response, the group established the Benton County Relief Fund. The fund will be administered by Excellerate Foundation, which previously partnered with Benton County to distribute emergency rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more here.