Countywide : Philanthropist to Lead Hugo Relief Campaign

Orange County businessman and philanthropist John Crean has agreed to be chairman of the Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Hugo relief campaign.

The parent organization has asked the Orange County chapter to contribute $365,000 of the $42-million the American Red Cross is raising to assist hurricane victims.

Crean said Friday that more than $100,000 has already been raised, including $35,000 through United Way of Orange County.

“We want everyone to understand that our request for donations to Hurricane Hugo relief is above and beyond what they are being asked to give to our local United Way,” Crean said. “Those agencies that the United Way supports must continue providing services in Orange County.”

Crean, who is chief executive officer of Fleetwood Enterprises, said at least 121,000 families were affected by Hugo, which hit hardest in South Carolina and in the Caribbean. To date, he said, the Red Cross has opened 541 shelters in the disaster areas and provided more than $5 million worth of meals.