Sarma Gives Back to Hurricane Ian Victims Through American Red Cross
San Antonio, Texas: Today, Sarma, a San Antonio-based company that offers multiple services including mortgage credit services, credit reporting, third party collections, employment, and tenant screening, announced that their foundation, Sarma Charitable Foundation (SCF) donated eighty-five thousand dollars to the American Red Cross in support the relief efforts to support those impacted by the devastation left by Hurricane Ian in the Florida area.
While headquartered in San Antonio, Sarma has employees and clients throughout the affected area. Some of those clients were personally impacted by devastating effects that Hurricane Ian had on the area.
Sarma’s President and CEO, Bob Benavides, stated “Seeing firsthand how our employees and our clients were affected, losing their homes, and for some also their businesses, our Foundation (SCF) had to get involved. The Florida community is a strong supporter of Sarma and Sarma’s products and services, so we knew we had to help those communities to which we serve.”
This donation marks the sixth time that the Sarma Charitable Foundation has been involved in giving to programs that provide direct support to the communities in Florida. The Foundation has previously aided with donations to American Red Cross in 2021 to assist with the Miami condo collapse, Feeding South Florida, The Children’s Harbor, Jackson Health Foundation’s Guardian Angels Program, and Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.
“Being a lifelong Floridian, I’ve experienced several hurricanes in my lifetime,” Sarma employee, Robert Sanchez says. “Most with minor incident, but one that is still vivid in my mind 30 years later is Hurricane Andrew. It is difficult to explain the feeling of disbelief, despair, and hopelessness that comes over you when you witness the sheer devastation around you.”
A San Antonio resident, R. Coleman, felt the impact when his in-laws lost their home due to the devastation and is now hosting them until they can rebuild. Coleman expressed his gratitude towards our Foundation’s efforts, particularly since it hit so close to home.
The foundation (SCF) chose the Red Cross in particular because of their mission – The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Our Foundation presented the donation to newly appointed Executive Director of the Greater San Antonio Chapter of the American Red Cross, Daniel P. Martinez. (Pictured on right side of photo)
Since its recent formation (September 2020), the Foundation has now eclipse $540,000 in donations to the communities in which we and Sarma clients serve. Notable donations and partnerships include San Antonio Food Bank, South Texas Blood, and Tissue, Spurs Give, St. Mary’s University, University of the Incarnate Word, South Texas Food Bank, University Health, and Habitat for Humanity. The Foundation is currently on its third fully sponsored home build through Habitat for Humanity in Bexar County and Laredo. Additionally, the Foundation has made donations to over 20 other community-based non-profits.
About Sarma and its Charitable Foundation: Founded in 1907, Sarma is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company offers solutions for consumers and businesses to help make key decisions and minimize risk. The Sarma Charitable Foundation was formed in 2020 and has a focus on teaching financial literacy to youth in the community, among other goals like minimizing hunger and assisting in healthy lifestyles. Sarma was awarded and named one of the Best Places to Work in San Antonio in 2017 and 2022, as well as a Top Workplaces in San Antonio in 2019 and 2022.