The donations to hurricane relief reflect our desire to reach out to the victims of this terrible disaster.

This study provides solid evidence that unhealthy lifestyle choices are having an impact on Maine people, the quality of their lives and the state's economy. We hope this report will contribute to a statewide dialogue and action plan to improve Maine residents' health and well-being.

Our associates are eager to help and have organized and participated in a variety of events to raise additional contributions for this relief effort.

During the past week, we have all anguished over the suffering that Hurricane Katrina has brought on in the Gulf Coast, and particularly New Orleans. There are countless thousands of families who have lost everything as a result of this natural disaster. In an unprecedented crisis like this, it is more important than ever that relief agencies, like the Red Cross, have the resources they need to undertake this massive effort.

Given the enormity of this national disaster and our collective desire to help the victims of this tragedy, our student-athletes, coaches and staff want to help those in the Gulf region. We are joining the response of the entire University of Connecticut community to assist those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.

You don't want to campaign in areas that have been hit by a natural disaster. There's no place in Florida that has been unaffected.