FWC Hurricane Relief Fund

In September of 2017, 150 officers and technicians of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were called to duty in Houston, Texas where they rescued hundreds of people trapped in unprecedented floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey.  Just days after their homecoming, these same heroes, along with many more FWC employees, were once again called to action as Hurricane Irma devastated the entire state. Dozens of FWC officers and biologists lost their homes or found them badly damaged.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida(FWFF) raised and distributed $100,000 to help the worst-hit FWC staff and their families.  The FWFF’s FWC Emergency Relief Fund, which only had $11,000 before Hurricane Irma hit, increased dramatically during BlueGreen 2017, our annual gala benefitting the FWC.  BlueGreen sponsors Bass Pro Shops, Hancock Whitney Bank and The Lacy Group|Merrill Lynch have been among the largest contributors, as has Bassmaster, who ran a successful online telethon during the 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship in September.  But the Foundation and our supporters did not stop there!  Maverick Boat Group teamed up with FWFF to distribute $24,000 to charter captains in Everglades City, so they can get their operations up and running again a little sooner.

Donations are still needed as Floridians continue to recuperate from the 2017 Hurricane Season. To make your own tax-deductible donation click here.