ATLANTA, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises, in partnership with The James M. Cox Foundation, announced today $1 million in support to assist the relief and recovery efforts of the communities affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. The contribution includes a $500,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross and $500,000 of in-kind support, including public service announcements.

"Cox Enterprises is committed to supporting the victims of this terrible storm," said Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. "As a company that operates multiple businesses in Oklahoma, we are committed to helping our employees and the communities we serve recover from this disaster. In providing this assistance, we also encourage others to support the local relief and recovery efforts."

Cox Enterprises operates multiple companies in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, including: Cox Communications, Total Resource Auctions - Oklahoma City, Total Resource Auctions - Tulsa, News Talk KRMG, Fox23, My41, News Talk KRMG, K95, Mix 96 and Rock 103.

"In this difficult time of recovery and rebuilding, our hearts go out to the families affected by the tornadoes," said Percy Kirk, senior vice president and general manager, Cox Communications Oklahoma. "This gift is a symbol of our commitment to our community and it is our hope that it will provide comfort and relief to many."

In addition to the cash donation and in-kind public service announcements, Cox's local media properties in Tulsa are hosting a series of community fundraisers.

Cox's impacted employees also have the opportunity to receive support through the Cox Employee Relief Fund (CERF). Created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the fund provides essential assistance to Cox employees and their families who are impacted by disasters. Since 2005, CERF has provided more than $3 million to assist more than 1,600 employees affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other devastating events.

Individuals interested in supporting the American Red Cross can make donations at http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of more than $15 billion and more than 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products);AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and Vin Solutions subsidiaries); and Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

About The James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises