Last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that the senator is donating his quarterly Senate salary to Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the Citrus County Family Resource Center and the Cedar Key Food Pantry. These organizations have played major roles in their communities to support families and businesses following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Scott has donated his Senate salary every quarter since taking office in 2019.

“Ann and I are grateful for the opportunity to support the work of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Citrus County Family Resource Center and the Cedar Key Food Pantry and all these organizations have done for their communities and families after Hurricane Idalia. After any major storm like Idalia, you see devastation and destruction, but among the stories of heartbreak, you see incredible acts of heroism, love and selflessness. That’s what makes Floridians so resilient and these organizations and their volunteers are the perfect example of that. Despite facing impacts to their own homes and belongings, they jumped into action to open their doors and serve others in need. I have seen the good that their work has done firsthand during my visits to impacted communities after the storm. As I fight to make sure the federal government continues to show up until the job is done, these organizations are having a direct positive impact for Floridians every day and we are so grateful for their work,” Scott said.

Monique Ellsworth, the CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, said, “With heartfelt appreciation, Second Harvest of the Big Bend extends its sincerest gratitude to Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott for their generous contribution. This substantial gift will play a pivotal role in our mission to address the enduring recovery needs of the Big Bend community left in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.”

RJ Fontana, the Citrus County Family Resource Center executive director, said, “On behalf of our entire community, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for Senator Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott’s unexpected and generous donation. Their commitment to serving needy families is commendable, and we are deeply grateful for the support. We are inspired by his dedication to making a difference in our community, and this donation will go a long way in helping us fulfill our mission. Senator Scott’s kindness and compassion are shining examples of authentic leadership, and we are honored to have him as a champion for our cause. Once again, thank you, Rick Scott, for the incredible support. This donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the senator’s partnership in serving families in our community.”

Phil Prescott, Cedar Key Food Pantry assistant director, said, “In the days following a disaster one of the most difficult obstacles an individual or community faces is the overwhelming feeling that the world moves on while we are stuck and alone facing a task that is far larger than one can imagine. When Senator Scott made his way to our island town, we knew we were not alone. The generosity of Senator Scott and Mrs. Scott in helping those in most need through this personal donation underscores that we are not alone.”