What did the American Red Cross do with all the money donated after Sept. 11, 2001?
The generous outpouring of contributions to the ARC due to the unprecedented nature of the events of September 11, 2001, was extraordinary. As it was clear donors were giving in response to the disaster, the ARC departed from its usual practices and developed a separate, segregated fund called the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund. Millions of donors from the U.S. and around the world gave just over $1 billion to the Liberty Fund in an unparalleled show of care and concern. Former Sen. George Mitchell was asked to serve as the independent overseers of the Liberty Fund. In his final report on the fund, Mitchell said the distribution plan that he developed has gone a long way toward meeting the needs of those who suffered losses, honoring the intent of the donors and providing assistance consistent with the mission and traditions of the Red Cross.
