FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz

September 9, 2005 973-621-4404

Anthony Puglisi

973-621-2542

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO PARTICIPATES IN VIGIL FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

Campaign to Assist Relief Efforts Is Announced

Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. was joined by several disaster relief agencies, area clergy members and County employees at the Essex County Hall of Records during a Friday afternoon vigil for the people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

“The devastation that has occurred throughout the Gulf Coast region as a result of Hurricane Katrina is enormous and has affected hundreds of thousands of lives,” the County Executive said. “This is the worst natural disaster in United States history, and motivates us to provide as much assistance as we can. Helping those in need is the American way, and here in Essex County, we are putting the well-being of those affected first,” he added.

During the vigil, DiVincenzo announced that Essex County is conducting an American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund campaign to assist in the Gulf Coast relief efforts. There are five ways Essex County will be raising money:

·  Essex County employees can contribute directly by check to a County-sponsored fund-raising drive. On October 7th, the total amount collected will be presented to the American Red Cross.

·  County Employees also may donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by authorizing a deduction in their payroll check.

·  Gift baskets will be on display and raffle tickets will be sold at the Hall of Records cafeteria and in the lobby of the New Courts Building. The proceeds will benefit the fund.

·  Red Cross information tables, where donations will be accepted, will be in place at the New Jersey Devils Red and White Hockey Scrimmage on Saturday, September 17th. Tickets for the 7 p.m. game are $15 for general admission and $100 for VIP seats (includes a pre-game reception). For tickets, call 973-483-6900.

·  Red Cross information tables, where donations will be accepted, will also be in place at the Third Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Annual Golf Invitational. Tickets for the Thursday, September 22nd event are $200 to play in the golf tournament and $100 for the post tournament dinner only. For tickets, call 973-535-2880.

“We have all been horrified by the news reports and feel the unbelievable agony that people in the affected areas are experiencing,” DiVincenzo said. “Essex County is a compassionate community that has always opened its large heart to help those in need. This is one of those times when we must come together and show our solidarity for those affected by this natural disaster,” he added. DiVincenzo kicked off the Red Cross campaign by donating $2,500 from his political account along with a $500 personal donation. Freeholder Blonnie Watson, who resides in the High Park Gardens cooperative housing complex in Newark, said residents of the housing complex collected $1,128, which she presented to the Red Cross.

During the hour-long rally, John Rinciari, Chief Emergency Officer, for the American Red Cross Metropolitan New Jersey chapter, said the Red Cross also is seeking to enlist people who can volunteer their time as Red Cross workers in the Gulf Coast region. Volunteers would have to be able to commit at least three weeks of time and attend a training session. For more information about volunteering, call the Red Cross at 973-797-3300.

Sheila Banks, Executive Director of Newark Emergency Services, thanked the community for the outpouring of support that has been provided to families who left the areas affected by the Hurricane and relocated to New Jersey. “We are the new family and friends of the people coming here to rebuild their lives,” she said, adding the public can call 973-643-5727, Ext. 211 for information about how they can help or to apply for services.

Offering prayers of hope and unity during the vigil were Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in East Orange; Rev. Monsignor Richard J. Arnhols of the Archdiocese of Newark; and Rev. Reginald T. Jackson of St. Matthew’s AME Church in Orange.

Director Anibal Ramos of the Department of Citizen Services and Yvonne Davis, Deputy Director of the Essex County Division of Welfare, said county employees have been responding to area hospitals to provide services to families who are relocating to Essex County. “We’re doing whatever it takes to ensure a smooth transition for our families in need,” Ramos noted.

In the immediate aftermath of the Hurricane, Prosecutor Paula Dow and Sheriff Armando Fontoura explained that the Essex County Office of Emergency Management coordinated an initiative to dispatch officers from the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and municipal fire and police departments to Louisiana and Mississippi to help restore order. Essex County also has sent its mobile decontamination trailer and specialized Hazmat response professionals to the region.

The County Executive noted a similar employee fund-raising campaign was held after the Indian Ocean tsunami occurred in December 2004.

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