As many of you are aware, last week CME approved the establishment of a charitable foundation and authorized $1 million to be directed by the foundation toward the relief efforts following the devastating attacks that occurred in New York and Washington. We expect that the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Foundation will be up and running later this week and ready to begin accepting additional contributions. Among the organizations to which the CME Foundation will distribute its funds will be:
- Chicago Remembers Fund (established by the Office of Mayor Richard M. Daley)
- The American Red Cross
- New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters
- WTC Police Disaster Relief Fund sponsored by the New York Fraternal Order of Police
- The New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund
- The Armed Services YMCA
CME shareholders, members and staff as well as others will be able to contribute to the CME Foundation upon its incorporation as a charitable organization. Once we are able to accept contributions, we will have tables set up outside the Upper and Lower Trading Floor entrances from I 1:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for four consecutive days. Cash and checks will be accepted. Cash contributions and checks payable to CME Foundation will be divided between the organizations the Foundation is supporting, or you may recommend which of these organizations you would like to receive your contribution. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Foundation, please contact Kristin Wood, Manager, Corporate Relations, at 930-4510.
We hope that our financial support of the relief efforts will provide the survivors and victims' families with needed comfort and security during the trying days and weeks ahead. Thank you in advance for your support of these efforts. Time and time again, we at CME have reached out to those in need, and we know that this crisis will call upon the very best in all of us once again.
Ellen G. Resnick
Director, Corporate Communications
