Arthur Blank donates $1.5 million to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

The Arthur M. Blank Foundation announced Wednesday morning that the Atlanta Falcons The owner will donate “an initial grant” of $1.5 million to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

The foundation said the money will be donated to support the work of World Central KitchenTeam Rubicon and CARE USA.

“World Central Kitchen provides nutritious meals and fresh water in times of crisis, and Team Rubicon specializes in disaster relief and on-site recovery,” the foundation said in a press release. “The Foundation’s advance investment in CARE USA’s Humanitarian Surge Fund will help quickly deploy disaster relief resources and will be activated immediately.”

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

“Jamaica and the Caribbean have a special place in my heart, full of meaningful family memories,” Blank himself said in a statement.

“The impact of Hurricane Melissa is profound, but so is the resilience of the people of this region. We are honored to support Team Rubicon and World Central Kitchen with an initial grant to meet the immediate needs of the community with disaster relief and nutritious meals. While the road ahead will be long, our hearts go out to those affected and we hope our support brings comfort and strength along the way.”

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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The storm struck Jamaica earlier this week as a Category 5 hurricane, making it the strongest storm ever to make direct landfall on the island.

With winds of 185 mph and gusts of 220 mph, it is the strongest storm this year and the third Category 5 hurricane. This is also the second time in a calendar year that at least three Category 5 hurricanes have been recorded.

The last time Jamaica faced a hurricane Of similar strength was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 4 storm considered the deadliest and most destructive in the country’s history.

Storm surge is pictured prior to the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean Terrace area of ​​Kingston, Jamaica, October 25, 2025. (RICARDO MAKYN/AFP)

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The storm left hundreds homeless and forced thousands into overcrowded shelters, according to a report from the National Library of Jamaica. Despite its ferocity, the official death toll remained relatively low with 45 fatalities and few reported injuries, but the storm caused an estimated $800 million in damage across the island, the release said.

Fox News’ Bonny Chu contributed to this report.

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