### Augusta National Golf Club Donates $5 Million for Hurricane Helene Relief

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, Augusta National Golf Club, the historic venue of the Masters Tournament, has committed significant financial aid to assist the Augusta, Georgia community. Partnering with the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), the esteemed golf club announced a generous $5 million donation to the newly established Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund on Thursday.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, expressed the urgent need for support in a statement on Thursday. "Our employees, neighbors, friends, and business owners need, and deserve, immediate and meaningful assistance to overcome the hardships being experienced at this moment throughout Augusta," Ridley remarked.

The pledged funds will primarily support immediate relief efforts, including bolstering the American Red Cross' initiatives. Specific support will be directed towards reinforcing the Red Cross' mobile feeding truck and associated recovery services, which provide essential resources such as water, food, laundry services, showers, and counseling to residents affected by the hurricane.

Ridley also emphasized the club's and the Community Foundation's commitment to community welfare. "Augusta National and the Community Foundation each take to heart our obligation to care for our community. Our goal is to make a difference when it's needed the most, and our hope is that our gift may inspire others to assist or ask how they may contribute to this critical mission," he said.