(Phoenix)--The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has contributed $100,000 to the "matching-dollar campaign" of the McCormick Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, a program of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, to support efforts in New York City and Washington, DC and $25,000 to animal-care agencies in New York City.

"Throughout her life, Nina Mason Pulliam had an empathy for and was particularly sensitive to helping people in need. In addition, Nina had a lifelong compassion and love for animals," said Frank E. Russell, Trust Chairman. "Nina Pulliam would have been one of the first to assist those who have been directly impacted by the tragedies of Sept. 11."

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust contributed $50,000 each to the McCormick Fund partners, FOX-TV 59 in Indianapolis and to The Arizona Republic in Phoenix.

To date, the McCormick Foundation partners in 40 cities have raised $14.2 million dollars. The McCormick Foundation provided $2.5 million in matching funds for a total of $16.7 million that is being distributed to agencies providing disaster relief services in New York City and Washington, DC, according to Gene D'Adamo, community affairs director for The Arizona Republic.

Thus far, agencies receiving funding in New York include: New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund; NYC Police Foundation; Community Services Society of NYC; John Jay College Foundation; Catholic Charities; Children's Aid Society; Family Services League of Long Island; Safe Horizons; Salvation Army of New York; and the American Red Cross have received funding. In Washington, DC, agencies include: the American Red Cross; Family & Child Services; USO and Lutheran Social Services.

In addition, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust contributed $15,000 to the Center for Animal Care and Control in New York City and $10,000 to the Humane Society of New York City. Both agencies provided rescue assistance and veterinary care and are housing and placing dogs, cats and other companion animals that have been displaced or have lost their human family members.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust seeks to help people in need, especially women, children and families; to protect animals and nature; and to enrich community life in the metropolitan areas of Indianapolis and Phoenix. The Trust has offices in Indianapolis and Phoenix.