Miller Family Foundation Donates $100,000 to Salt Lake City Flood Relief
SALT LAKE CITY – The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation announced a $100,000 donation Thursday to the Westside Flood Relief Fund, providing a critically important boost to recovery efforts following devastating flooding in early October. The contribution comes as residents continue to grapple wiht damage from record rainfall that impacted dozens of homes in the Westpointe neighborhood.
The flooding occurred after 2.61 inches of rain fell in 14 hours between Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, marking the second-wettest day in Salt Lake City‘s history since 1874, according to the National Whether service. A drainage canal overflowed near the Willow Place community, leaving some homes with over a foot of water in their basements.
“Our hearts go out to the families and neighborhoods impacted by this destructive flooding,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Miller Family Foundation, in a statement. “The west side is an essential part of our community, and we’re grateful for the partnerships and efforts to help residents recover and rebuild.”
The Westside Coalition launched the Westside Flood Relief Fund on Oct. 7,after Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall declared a state of emergency. The fund initially aimed to raise $100,000 but had collected just over $6,500 before Thursday’s declaration.
Larry H. Miller Real Estate is also contributing up to $25,000 in donated materials for home repairs. All funding is currently being distributed, the foundation stated. Many affected residents are blue-collar workers or retirees who reportedly faced denials of flood insurance claims, according to Salt Lake City Councilwoman Victoria Petro.
“Funds like these allow us to provide immediate relief, help residents repair their homes and fortify our west side neighborhoods,” said Dan Strong, president of the Westside Coalition.
