HOUSTON -- Motiva Enterprises LLC has donated $1.5 million to the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund (SETERF), an organization assisting residents who are struggling in Orange, Jefferson, and Hardin Counties in Texas to piece together their lives after the ruinous effects of Hurricane Ike. Bill Welte, president and CEO of Motiva Enterprises, presented the donation to SETERF chairman Robert Edgar at a press conference outside the Bridge City Wal-Mart on Tuesday.
"We recognize the outstanding work that has been done by SETERF to assist victims of other hurricanes over the years since [image-nocss] its inception. SETERF is able to get the money on the ground where help is needed the most, and they do so in a quick and efficient manner. Motiva is proud to be able to direct this significant portion of the overall Shell and Motiva funds into Southeast Texas to make a huge impact in the communities where our employees live and work," said Todd Monette, Motiva Enterprises Port Arthur Refinery general manager.
"Out of the wreckage of this staggering storm have arisen benevolent donors, such as Motiva, that recognize the extreme needs of the region. It is a message of hope, encouragement, and comfort to people who have been devastated and demoralized," said Regina Rogers, co-founder of the organization.
Thousands of residents affected by Hurricane Ike, many without insurance and the financial wherewithal to salvage a semblance of normalcy, depend on the aid provided by SETERF. Contributions to the fund will be distributed to those most affected by the storm in the form of gift cards for the purchase of gasoline, food and other essential items.
The fund, that has already raised $1.80 million, initially received $300,000 to launch the campaign, with ExxonMobil providing $200,000 and Wichita-based Flint Hills Resources contributing $100,000.
SETERF was organized in 2005 by philanthropists Regina Rogers and Joe Penland in response to the regional devastation following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After Rita, the organization bestowed $3 million of assistance through gift cards for urgent needs, support of community social service agencies and short-term loans.
Also, Shell and Motiva have announced a $1 million donation to the Red Cross to support the organization's large and lengthy hurricane relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. The Red Cross is continuing to provide lifesaving assistance to tens of thousands of Gulf Coast residents affected by Gustav and Ike.
"Shell and Motiva are committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work and we understand firsthand the urgent need for assistance in this region." said Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Co., Houston.
Also headquartered in Houston, Motiva is a refining and marketing joint venture owned by affiliates of Shell and Saudi Aramco. Motiva's marketing operations support a network of more than 8,000 Shell-branded stations in the eastern and southern United States. Company assets include three refineries located in Norco and Convent, La.; and Port Arthur, Texas, currently capable of refining approximately 740,000 barrels per day, and ownership or partial interests in 41 product terminals.
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