BMW pledges $1 million donation for Hurricane Helene relief

(WSPA) – The BMW Group has pledged $1 million to support disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

The company said their donation will be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"This donation will help the Red Cross give assistance to many in the Carolinas who are in need, including some of our own associates," said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. "Thousands of our BMW family lost power, many had their homes damaged by falling trees, and some had their homes swept away by floods."

Hurricane Helene left devastation across the Upstate and western North Carolina, killing 50 people in South Carolina and at least 125 in North Carolina.

The storm washed away roads and destroyed homes across the region.

"We offer our thanks and support to the Red Cross and many volunteers who are working so hard on the recovery effort," Engelhorn added.

BMW is one of the largest employers in the Upstate, with more than 11,000 people working at their plant in Spartanburg County.