TX Gov Rick Perry solicits Katrina donations to his faith-based foundation

Texas Gov. Perry Directing Katrina Donations To His Own Foundation For Faith-Based Initiatives…

Dallas Morning News | Christy Hoppe | Posted September 8, 2005 11:11 AM

Gov. Rick Perry, in hurricane relief tours around the state, in news releases and on his official state Web site, has urged Texans to contribute to three groups: the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the OneStar Foundation.

The last of those is a volunteer-coordinating effort founded by Mr. Perry. His prominent promotion of his own foundation has prompted some to question whether the governor is trying to benefit politically from the outpouring of sympathy and good works in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2005/09/08/texas-gov-perry-directin_n_7028.html

http://www.governor.state.tx.us/





For cash donations, call:

* American Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW
* Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY or www.salvationarmyusa.org

To volunteer or provide non-cash donations,

* One Star Foundation Hurricane Relief: 1-800-707-6768
* One Star Foundation: 1-800-707-6768 or www.onestarfoundation.org

http://www.onestarfoundation.org/

Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Message from the Director

Welcome to the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives website. Texas has long been a leader in leveling the playing-field for faith and community-based groups and encouraging them to partner with government to better serve those in need. Building on this solid legacy, Governor Rick Perry formed this office and charged it with three main tasks:

* Reduce the obstacles that faith and community-based groups face in partnering with government.

* Play a lead role in establishing collaborations and partnerships between government, faith and community-based groups, and other private entities.

* Coordinate research and policy efforts to measure the impact of these partnerships in serving Texans in need.

The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at OneStar was opened in June of 2004. It exists to foster a more effective partnership between government and civil society so that people are better served, communities are empowered, and lives are transformed. Texas has some of the most innovative and effective faith and community-based groups in the country and I feel honored to work with so many of you.

This website is designed to assist faith and community-based organizations across Texas by providing information on public and private funding opportunities, trainings in your local area, and partnership opportunities with government and other faith and community-based groups. Please check back with us often as we continue to make improvements to the resources available to you.

Thank you for the work you are doing in your communities and for your commitment to Texas.

Sincerely,

Beau Egert
Director
Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

“Will you help write the next chapter of a Texas rich in compassion, long in devotion, abundant in spirit? Will you volunteer your time to mend broken lives and build vibrant communities? Will you teach our children not only the lessons on a printed page, but the values that will keep them to the right path?

Will you stand with me and say, 'Here am I, send me?' God Bless you, and God bless Texas.”

—Governor Rick Perry, from his 2003 Inauguration Remarks



http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2005-09-03.4628

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Sep. 03, 2005
How Texans Can Direct Their Compassion

Gov. Perry Urges Media to Publicize Key Information So Texans Know Where to Offer Donations and Services

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today praised the compassion of Texans and urged them to call the OneStar Foundation, the State of Texas clearinghouse for donation/volunteer information, if they have questions about how to volunteer, to help or to make non-cash donations.

"The OneStar Foundation was established to match volunteers willing to help with those in need," Perry said. "The Foundation has established 400 phone lines to take the influx of requests to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and they can help direct Texans' donations of non-cash items and volunteer services."

Key Contact Information:

* OneStar Foundation Hurricane Relief: 1-800-707-6768
* OneStar Foundation website: www.OneStarFoundation.org
* Red Cross: 1-800-HELP NOW
* Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

"I urge members of the media to widely publicize critical contact information because a great many Texans, and people from across the country, want to help but don't know how," Perry said. "State and local agencies are being besieged with requests for help from faith-based groups, corporations, and private citizens, and the best way to direct those requests for help in an organized manner is to funnel them through the One Star Foundation."

extremist fundamentalists. Meanwhile, the reliable charities ranging from Catholic Charities to United Methodist to Friends Service Committee, and many others are being given second billing or worse in the official recommendations on donations. They deserve better based on their many, many years of service to communities without faith-based strings attached.

Yet another act of corruption on the part of the Bush administration. Favoritism to the fundamentalists over the mainstays of Christian charity in the U.S. This is the most disgusting aspect of Bush's faith-based swindle that I have seen thus far.