10 Year Later: March 2 Recovery

Ten years ago today, devastating storms swept through Henryville and surrounding communities. An EF-4 tornado first touched down in Washington County, Indiana, resulting in 11 deaths and altering the lives of hundreds of Southern Indiana residents.

Following the disaster, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana partnered with local organizations to assist in the rebuild and long-term recovery efforts, logging countless volunteer hours and helping to raise thousands of dollars for those affected areas.

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s Disaster Relief Fund received more than $300,000 in donations from across the country and internationally to support the relief efforts. 100% of the donations given to the Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund went directly back to the community in meaningful, impactful ways.

Donor contributions:

• Funded a summer school program for elementary students
• Directly assisted with over 40 FEMA cases
• Supported counseling programs
• Helped assist numerous nonprofits aiding rebuilding efforts
• Helped Habitat for Humanity build two new homes in Henryville, thanks to a grant matching program with The Ogle Foundation

“There are no words to express the amount of pain and destruction we witnessed following those storms,” said Linda Speed, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. “While we wish this never happened, I’m proud that our community came together, and the Foundation was able to play a small role in the efforts of so many. This event forever changed us as an organization, and we continue to do everything we can to support those people and their community.”