The Todd Western Charity Foundation presented a check to a family devastated by the May 22, 2011 tornado last December. Dora Hill and her family were severely impacted by the tornado while living in their Penn Avenue home. Hill received a check for 1,000.00 to help with continuing to rebuild her life. The check was presented at the Pillsbury United Communities’ Executive Offices with other North Community Response Team (NCRT) representatives present. Dora Hill shared her experiences since the tornado. Hill described the effects on her children and her entire family’s livelihood. “Everything has been coming together,” voiced Hill. These funds helped Hill, get current on her rent at her new home.
The contribution reflects the propensity of our people stepping up to help our people in times of crisis and need. It also reflects the legacy of compassion and giving that is a core tenant of Black family life. Todd Western Sr., a Waterloo, Iowa native, was the first Black supervisor at John Deere in 1966. Having had 200 acres of farm land for over 145 years in his family, he was one of a few Blacks in the Midwest that owned farm land. Todd Western III noted the charity foundation was developed because they wanted to honor their father’s legacy. “With all that he accomplished, he also gave back to the community and taught his three sons to do the same. We saw this as a great opportunity to give back to someone in need,” said Western.
Reverend Richard Coleman, NCRT committee member added, “We are very thankful for every gift and effort made to help families recover from damages caused by the tornado. The fact that a single family saw and seized the opportunity to act - on their own - to help their neighbors is a story of enormous significance. We are grateful for the Todd Western family and their demonstration of civic engagement.”
The NCRT and Todd Western Charity Foundation are committed to helping North Minneapolis and its residents restore.
