United Way Accepts $10,000 Donation from MJC for Ellicott City

United Way Accepts $10,000 Donation from MJC for Ellicott City

ECStrong Fund Established to Aid in Humanitarian Relief Efforts
 
LAUREL, MD – Officials from the United Way of Central Maryland accepted a $10,000 check from the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park for the ECStrong Fund, established this month for victims of the recent Ellicott City flash floods.
 
The donation was made by Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager and Ellicott City resident Sal Sinatra in a winner’s circle presentation following the sixth of 11 races Saturday, part of the annual Maryland Pride Day celebration.
 
In addition, stations were set up in the clubhouse for fans to make their own contributions to the fund, where 100 percent of all donations go directly to humanitarian relief efforts.
 
“We help with basic needs such as clothing, food, furniture and housing; we cover renter’s insurance and homeowner’s insurance; baby food, diapers, mold remediation – really just the basic things that people need to maintain their standard of living,” said Kari Staddon, Director of Development for United Way of Central Maryland, who accepted the check.
 
“This will go a very long way,” she added. “We are so grateful to the Maryland Jockey Club for this generous donation and all that they’ve done to bring awareness to the flood victims. The Maryland Jockey Club has gone above and beyond and we’re very appreciative, and I’m sure that the flood victims are most appreciative, as well.”
 
Two people lost their lives and more than 100 had to be rescued when nearly six inches of rain fell in a span of two hours July 30. The sudden floods caused devastation to homes, roads and businesses and shut down Main Street, which town officials hope to reopen next month.
 
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman established the ECStrong Fund after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in the county. Ellicott City is an unincorporated town of 68,000 founded in 1772 and located 18 miles north of Laurel.
 
“The Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group are proud to be part of the efforts to rebuild and restore historic Ellicott City,” Sinatra said. “We are also very thankful to our fans for their generous contributions to the ECStrong Fund that will help Ellicott City residents get back on their feet.”