AvalonBay Communities, Inc. recently presented a check for more than $100,000 to the Tsunami Relief and Recovery Effort of the American Red Cross.

When last December's disastrous tsunami washed away homes and destroyed lives, AvalonBay associates were moved to action. Capturing the mood of the entire company, chief executive officer Bryce Blair announced the company's intention to match associate contributions to the tsunami relief effort. In all, approximately 372 AvalonBay associates, board members and in some cases residents donated funds.

In the ceremony held to mark the presentation of AvalonBay's donation to the American Red Cross, Bryce Blair said, "The magnitude of the tsunami disaster is overwhelming. While the loss of life and the level of destruction are heart wrenching, the out-pouring of support from countries around the world and from AvalonBay associates has been heart-warming. On behalf of the entire AvalonBay family, I am pleased to present the American Red Cross's Tsunami Relief Effort with a check for $101,534."