Casey DeSantis Announces Over $60 Million in Donations for the Florida Disaster Fund

By Amber Jo Cooper

Published Dec. 14, 2022, 11:05 a.m. ET | Updated Dec. 14, 2022

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis watches Gov. Ron DeSantis at campaign event in The Villages, Fla.

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $60 million in donations to help with recovery in communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Disaster Fund, spearheaded by the First Lady, is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida.

“It has been heartwarming to witness individuals and organizations come together from all over the country to generously help Floridians rebuild and recover,” she said.

“The $60 million raised reflects the graciousness and incredible commitment from good people to provide relief and hope. As we continue to target funds to maximize the impact of these donations in Southwest Florida, we could not be more grateful for the outpouring of support that makes these efforts possible.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the First Lady announced up to $35.2 million in donations to the Fund will be used to allow verified nonprofit organizations to conduct critical temporary repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Funds will also address unmet needs such as transportation, food assistance, housing aid, clothing, and household goods.

It was previously announced that $2 million will be distributed to teachers who were affected by Hurricane Ian. The governor said the donations will help each district’s teachers who are displaced or have other needs including home repair and transportation.

The governor also said that $2 million would go towards helping first responders recover from Hurricane Ian. There are first responders with flooded, damaged and destroyed homes.

“You may have a firefighter out there helping someone get out of their damaged home. That firefighter’s home may have been destroyed too,” DeSantis said.

“A police officer is out there helping helping you with something that you have had to deal with. They may be suffering the same or more back at their place.”

The Florida Sheriff’s Association, Florida PBA, Florida Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Professional Firefighters Association each received $500,000.

To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.