WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced that he and his wife, Ann, will donate his first quarter Senate salary to Samaritan’s Purse and Kids’ Minds Matter in Southwest Florida. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world, including recent efforts to establish medical facilities in various parts of Ukraine and provide food and relief to the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s invasion. An initiative of Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Kids’ Minds Matter is dedicated to advancing services and community coordination to meet children’s mental and behavioral health care needs in Southwest Florida.

Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott said, “We are honored to support two great organizations that are working tirelessly to make a difference in our communities and around the globe: Samaritan’s Purse and Kids’ Minds Matter. Samaritan’s Purse has an outstanding record of providing immediate response and support for individuals and communities following hurricanes, natural disasters, and times of need – especially with their work to help provide medical assistance and aid to the Ukrainian people as Russia attacks their home. Another incredible group, Kids’ Minds Matter, holds a special place in our hearts as parents and grandparents for their work to improve services and raise awareness of mental and behavioral health needs for children in our community. We are so grateful for the efforts of these organizations and their hardworking, selfless teams.”

Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, said, “I am deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of Senator Rick Scott and his wife Ann. I appreciate their heart to help others and make a difference. I recently returned from Ukraine where I saw how much people are suffering—they need our prayers and our help. As Samaritan’s Purse continues to respond to the crisis, this gift will help our teams provide medical care, food, water, and other relief items to hurting families while also reminding them that God loves them.”

Dr. Larry Antonucci, President and CEO of Lee Health, said, “Senator and Mrs. Scott have proven to be strong philanthropists and advocates for children’s mental and behavioral health care needs. Their meaningful gift brings attention to the mental health crisis our community faces and will help us increase access to behavioral healthcare services in Southwest Florida. We are grateful for their continued support of Kids’ Minds Matter and Lee Health.”

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