by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
CSX Chair, President and CEO Michael Ward announced Tuesday that his personal foundation, the Michael Ward Foundation, will match every $1 contributed by the community to the Justice Coalition with $2 from the foundation.
The Justice Coalition is currently under financial duress following the embezzlement of $150,000 by a former employee who pleaded guilty to the crime and is serving time in prison.
At the Tuesday event, CSX Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing Clarence Gooden made a $5,000 personal donation and the Fraternal Order of Police also contributed $5,000 to help the Justice Coalition.
Ward reported donations from businesses and individuals have exceeded $20,000 in the last few days. “We’re off to a great start,” he said.
The Justice Coalition was created 15 years ago by the late Ted Hires Sr. after he and his staff were victimized by armed robbers. The coalition seeks rights for victims in the criminal justice system.
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