ALBANY, NY (01/22/2010) -- The New York State Tribute Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has established a Haitian Relief Fund to assist victims of this overwhelming disaster. All New York funeral directors, funeral service suppliers and others affiliated with funeral service in the state are being encouraged to donate to this special fund. The public is also invited to make contributions to this fund.

The International Red Cross estimates that about three million people were affected and the Haitian government anticipates that the disaster will claim between 100,000 and 200,000 lives.

According to NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Mc Cullough, "100% of all donated funds will be directed to help the Haitian people and others there as part of the massive relief effort that is just now underway. Although it is premature at this point to identify a specific organization as beneficiary of contributions made to the Tribute Foundation, we are assuring donors that our combined funds will be targeted in the most effective and efficient manner to ensure that they make a tangible difference."

Ms. McCullough added that the distribution of these funds will be determined by New York funeral professionals who serve as directors of the Tribute Foundation once a targeted area of great need is identified.

In addition to this effort, NYSFDA Disaster Committee Chairman Doug Brueggemann, confirmed that the Disaster Mortuary Response Operational Team (DMORT) has been alerted to be prepared for possible activation and travel to Haiti once logistics are worked out by the Federal Government.

The NYS Tribute Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Individual contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. To make a donation to the Tribute Foundation Haitian Relief Effort, please call 800-291-2629, visit www.tributefoundation.org or mail to: 426 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.