STUART, Fla. — With the help of local businesses and generous residents throughout our community, our WPTV News tornado relief fundraisers raised more than $57,000.
The devastation caused last month throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast from Hurricane Milton left at least six people dead and dozens of homes with severe damage.
On Wednesday, WPTV First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Steve Weagle and WPTV general manager Bill Siegel dropped off checks to four local United Way agencies.
WATCH: $14,000 check presented to United Way of Palm Beach County
Each United Way agency received more than $14,000.
One of the local businesses involved in the major fundraising effort was Philly Down South in Stuart, located next to the Elliott Museum and Stuart Beach, which donated 20% of sales earlier in the month to the Scripps Howard hurricane relief fund.
WATCH: $14,000 check presented to United Way of Martin County
Philly Down South owner Jim Leary hopes the funds go a long way.
"People losing their homes. They have to start all over," Leary said. "The best we can do is something like this.”
We thank the businesses that partnered with WPTV on the effort, as well as every one of you who contributed following such a traumatic event for our community.
The money will be used to support the people who need it most.
