The City of Trotwood officially  announced its tornado disaster relief fund at a news conference, Tuesday, June 25th. Mayor Jeff Rezabek and Mayor Mary McDonald spoke with reporters from BAC 22/Fox 45, WSYX/ Fox 28 in Columbus, Dayton Daily News, WHIO TV and WDTN.

The fund has received it largest corporate donation with a gift of $10,000 from African Pride, a subsidiary of Strength of Nature hair products.

The endowment is one of several, including House of Wheat Funeral Home, New Fellowship Baptist Church and Walmart.

Through an application process,  each household affected by the Memorial Day tornado can receive up to  $1,000 to purchase items that will set up a new living space in Trotwood. Residents will also be required to engage with federal and state emergency management programs (FEMA and Ohio EMA) before the  Trotwood Disaster Relief Fund application is processed. They will also be required to show proof of residence.

The recent $10,000 contribution was made public recently  at the African Pride sponsored Gospel Superfest, held at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton. Mayor McDonald and Attorney Jeff Rezebek received the ceremonial check on stage.

The event is held annually in Dayton and features a star studded line up of nationally known gospel artists. It’s recorded for airing at a later date on TV One stations.

Contributions to the Trotwood Disaster Relief Fund are accepted at any branch of Fifth/Third Bank or can be sent to the Trotwood Government Center, 3035 Olive Rd., 45426, c/o Jeff Rezabek, chair.

The Trotwood Disaster Relief Fund is being administered  by the Cartwright Family Foundation, a 501c3.