The Chrysler Foundation Supports First Response Team of America’s Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

May 22, 2013 /3BL Media/ - In the wake of the devastating tornado that hit Oklahoma earlier this week, The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, today announced that it will provide $100,000 to First Response Team of America, a nonprofit disaster relief organization which assists local first responders with rescues and also provides help with cleanup efforts.    

“We know that the road to recovery for the residents of Moore and Oklahoma City will be long,” said Reid Bigland, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Chrysler Foundation is proud to support First Response Team of America’s efforts to help the people of Oklahoma get back on their feet.” The Ram Truck brand has an existing relationship with First Response Team of America, including donating three heavy-duty trucks to support their efforts.

First Response Team of America goes from disaster to disaster lending a hand and assisting with rubble and water rescues and cleanups, clearing roads, creating a way into the community by removing debris and pumping out floodwaters, powering up emergency rooms, nursing homes and shelters and clearing home sites for those without insurance. The team tracks weather conditions so it is positioned to be nearby and ready to assist when disaster strikes. The team’s heavy equipment includes Ram trucks, multi terrain loaders, cranes, lighting towers, plasma cutters and a hovercraft for water rescues.  

Last year, the Ram Truck brand announced a partnership with The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) and First Response Team of America. Sponsored by the Ram Truck brand, TWCC launched an exclusive cross-platform series of in-the-field “Responding by Storm” reports chronicling the works of the First Response Team of America. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oklahoma," said Jody Trapasso, President – The Chrysler Foundation. "We are heartened by their unwavering spirit during this difficult time and we are humbled to support the relief and recovery efforts."

Chrysler Group and its brands have a long history of supporting its communities in their time of need. In the wake of last year’s Superstorm Sandy, the Ram Truck brand donated 20 Ram 1500 Tradesman trucks and $100,000 to the American Red Cross.

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

About The Chrysler Foundation

The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, has established a proud legacy of empowering people in the communities where we live and work. The Chrysler Foundation focuses on four key areas through its grant application process and volunteer activities: Education: K-12 and post-secondary education initiatives that encourage the study and pursuit of careers in business, design, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or supply-chain management; Military: support for our nation’s service members and their families in need; Multicultural / Diversity: initiatives that promote inclusion and advancement opportunities for diverse populations; and Youth Development: organizations and programs that provide mentoring and related assistance to aid youth in the transition to adulthood.

Since its inception in 1953, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.