The American Red Cross, Washington, D.C., announced it accepted a $1 million donation from the St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Foundation to support Red Cross disaster relief through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).

The event took place Dec. 7 in Wilmington, N.C., a community ravaged by Hurricane Florence in mid-September, where Red Cross officials including Don Herring, chief development officer for the American Red Cross, and Barry Porter, chief executive officer (CEO) for the Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region, thanked the Anheuser-Busch Foundation for its longstanding partnership and commitment to the Red Cross and its mission, the company says. Bill Bradley, vice president of community affairs for Anheuser-Busch, announced the donation and thanked Red Cross volunteers for their ongoing efforts in the aftermath of the storm, it adds.

In addition to the annual pledge from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, the company has continued to donate water through its Emergency Drinking Water Program, donating more than 80 million cans of water to the Red Cross and partner agencies since 1988.

Most recently, the beer company donated more than 1.4 million cans of water to help those affected by this year’s natural disasters including the wildfires in California, Hurricane Florence and Michael, and Typhoon Yutu.

“We're honored to count the Anheuser-Busch Foundation as a valued member of our Annual Disaster Giving Program, helping us fulfill our lifesaving mission," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, in a statement. "Anheuser-Busch's annual support ensures that the Red Cross can immediately respond and help people impacted by disasters whenever and wherever they may strike. Also, thanks to Anheuser-Busch and its dedicated employees, millions of cans of clean drinking water have provided refreshment and relief for disaster survivors in their times of greatest need."

Bill Bradley commented: "We have been working with the Red Cross to lend a helping hand to fellow Americans when natural disasters strike since 1906. This year, we recognize the resilience of North Carolinians and the dedication of the disaster relief partners at the Red Cross as we proudly celebrate the continuation of this great partnership."

For those wanting to donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.