CoBank raises over $300K for Oklahoma tornado relief

DENVER – CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, announced on June 3 that a special matching fund it created the previous week had raised over $300,000 to support tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma.

The bank announced on May 28 that it had committed $75,000 to match contributions by customers to nonprofit organizations involved in the humanitarian response to the tornadoes, which have caused widespread damage in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. In just four days, customers from across the country submitted approximately $150,000 in contribution requests.

“The generosity demonstrated by our customers in response to this tragedy has been overwhelming,” said Bob Engel, CoBank’s president and chief executive officer. “As a result, we have made the decision to increase the size of our matching fund, which will enable us to match all contribution requests received through the end of last week. We are delighted to be working hand-in-hand with our customers to help people impacted by the tornadoes and assist them in the effort to rebuild their communities.”

Organizations that will benefit from the CoBank matching fund include the American Red Cross, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Disaster Relief Fund and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Oklahoma Relief Fund.

CoBank has also contributed $25,000 directly to the American Red Cross.