A. Lee Graham Reporter
Chesapeake Energy Corp. plans to make a $1 million cash donation to the American Red Cross for rescue and recovery efforts following the mammoth tornado that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The Oklahoma City-based natural gas producer also is mobilizing hundreds of employee volunteers to help tornado victims. “Our hearts go out to the victims of these terrible storms, and Chesapeake and our employees are doing all we can to aid in the disaster recovery efforts in our hometown community,” said Archie W. Dunham, board chairman, commenting in a news release. The company is providing its equipment, machinery and resources. Many of its employees already are mobilized under the company’s Operation Blue banner in assisting rescue efforts, Dunham said. Operation Blue is an annual campaign allowing employees to serve community needs by volunteering four hours on company time. The program will be expanded to support the community during this week’s crisis. Last year, 6,045 Chesapeake employees gave more than 38,000 volunteer hours to serve 477 nonprofit organizations across the country. “We urge other local businesses and citizens to pitch in to help during our community’s hour of need,” Dunham said. Chesapeake Energy Corp., whose interests include the Barnett Shale in North Texas, develops unconventional natural gas and oil fields nationwide. More information is available at www.chk.com.