The Majority of One Foundation Finds Partner to Help Create EmpowerUSAorg Aimed at Providing Ongoing Relief Funding for Hurricane Katrina Victims



The Majority of One Foundation (M1), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, announced today the creation of EmpowerUSA.org an effort aimed at raising money to provide ongoing relief funding to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"I feel confident that the ball is now rolling, bringing relief to millions of people impacted by this disaster," states M1 COO Michael Moore. "What we want to ensure is that funding continues, not just through the summer and fall, but as long as is needed to help our fellow Americans get back on their feet."

Moore says that as he watched reports coming in from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama he was first in a state of disbelief which quickly turned to horror as the images continued to illustrate the ongoing chaos.

"We were no longer dealing with property damage and flooded streets, which we had anticipated; we were viewing images of infants without water, elderly without the medication they need to survive." As major humanitarian and aide related groups began to enter the scene, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Network for Good and Habitat for Humanity, Mr. Moore says he felt instant relief. "These are good people who know how to care for those in need. They have a great support network and the resources to get involved quickly. Yet we still felt compelled to take action."

Much of this compulsion came from knowing that his friend and President of The Majority of One Foundation, former Ohio State Buckeye and current Pro Bowl Center for the New Orleans Saints LeCharles Bentley was seeing the decimation of the city where he lives and which he proudly represents on the football field 16 Sundays every fall and winter.

"When you know people impacted it becomes even important that you take action," Moore said.

Moore contacted long time supporter of The Majority of One Foundation, political and business marketing group Northeast Ohio Communications (NeoCom) looking in search for ways to organize fund raising efforts.

"We immediately began talking about how to get involved," stated Eric Tobin, CEO NeoCom. "Michael realized we would not be the first organization to get involved and certainly not the biggest, but we both agreed that any positive impact we could have would be worth the effort."

Through these conversations EmpowerUSA.org was created.

"From EmpowerUSA.org we not only have the ability to become involved for the long term, we have the ability to stay involved as long as needed," Tobin says. "This enables us to make an impact now and be ready to contribute the next time Americans are in need. President and COO of NeoCom Linda Money says that help, "has to come in all shapes and sizes. Alone neither M1 nor NeoCom can contribute $250,000, but together we can organize an effort that will. We want to build a coalition of individuals and small businesses that can each contribute a little, which in the end will add up to real aide."

Ms. Money also praised some of the cable news channels for their involvement in identifying smaller organizations wanting to lend aide, "On MSNBC's Scarborough Country for example, Joe Scarborough seems to have several different organizations listed on the screen each night, illustrating just how much help in out there. The more people we get involved, the more unique ways we can help people recover and rebuild."

By visiting EmpowerUSA.org individuals can purchase Katrina Relief Bracelets, made popular by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

"This provides people with a reminder of the good they are doing, of the donation they made to assist others," says Moore. "The most important things for me, is that 70% of the money a person spends on the relief bracelets goes directly towards victim relief. We have tried to make it clear, many people are selling Hurricane Katrina merchandise, some state that a portion of the proceeds go towards victim relief, if they do, I'm glad. But I want people to understand that through EmpowerUSA.org we spell it out for you $7 of every $10 is directed to aide. We are looking forward to working with other companies to create other one of a kind items that will stand as a reminder of the contributions one made to aide in the recovery of others."

"I am proud to be in a position to begin down such an important path" says James Hall, Founder and CEO of The Majority of One Foundation, "I have the greatest of hopes that what we start here today will translate into a blessing for many. LeCharles Bentley and The Majority of One Foundation are honored to have this opportunity to partner with NeoCom to create an avenue of relief for the victims in the City of New Orleans, the States of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama."

About The Majority of One Foundation:
The mission of the Majority of One Foundation is to increase the quality of life among urban and low-income middle school and high school students by providing educational programs & services that promote academic achievement, personal and professional development, job readiness, self-discipline, healthy living and financial independence. The Majority of One Foundation is a Columbus, Ohio based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Visit on the web at www.M1Foundation.org.

About Northeast Ohio Communications:
Northeast Ohio Communications Ltd. (NeoCom) is a leading provider of Political and Commercial Marketing call center services. Located in Howland, Ohio, NeoCom is primarily focused on increasing the level of Communication between organizations/firms and their customers/supporters. With Political Marketing programs ranging from Surveys, Support Building, Message Delivery and Get Out the Vote, NeoCom provides its clients with a one stop shop for their Political Marketing needs. As Commercial Marketing specialist, NeoCom's main focus is on Small Business and Residential telecommunications needs. Helping clients build and maintain their customer base through quality customer interaction. NeoCom goes beyond contact focusing instead on communication. Visit it on the web at www.NeoComnet.com.





The Majority of One Foundation Finds Partner to Help Create EmpowerUSAorg Aimed at Providing Ongoing Relief Funding for Hurricane Katrina Victims