The Cox Employee Relief Fund, established hours after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina by members of the Cox family and the James M. Cox Foundation, announced today that it has surpassed $4 million in employee grants. More than 1,700 employees have received direct financial assistance from the fund since its inception a decade ago.

"CERF represents the best of our company's culture and values," said Cox Enterprises' Chairman Jim Kennedy. "Through CERF, support for our employees extends beyond the workplace and makes a meaningful difference in their lives when they face critical, financial hardship."

Over the years the Cox Employee Relief Fund has grown to become a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported by employee donations. Its mission is to assist employees and their immediate families impacted by life's setbacks, including natural disasters, injury or illness, or loss of a family member. CERF has aided employees with funeral costs, unexpected medical bills and rebuilding their lives after natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy.

"Cox employees have a long legacy of serving their communities," said Bob Jimenez, Cox Enterprises senior vice president, corporate communications and public affairs, and president of CERF. "The Cox Employee Relief Fund provides our employees with a means for helping one another in times of greatest need."