By BETSY NELSON, September 22, 2001
Special to the Daily Record In times of great tragedy, we are reminded once again of the great spirit and generosity of the American people. The events of the last 12 days have illustrated just how giving and caring we are. From long lines to donate blood to the quick formation of relief funds, Americans have sought ways to respond to the attacks that occurred Sept. 11. As our nation struggles to comprehend the events of Sept. 11, Maryland corporations and foundations have mobilized with generous gifts of time, money, goods and services to help victims' families and survivors of last Tuesday's devastating terrorist attacks.
The United Way of Central Maryland and other Maryland philanthropic funds have joined their New York counterparts in supporting The September 11th Fund. The fund was created by the United Way of New York and The New York Community Trust to receive donations from concerned Americans across the country. The fund's purpose is to mobilize financial resources to respond to the pressing needs of the victims and their families and all those affected by the tragedy. Community foundations throughout Maryland are working in partnership with the September 11th Fund.
While some companies and foundations have made direct contributions to relief efforts, other companies are matching their employees' donations. Verizon Foundation has announced a 3-to-1 match for employee donations to the September 11th Fund in New York, as well as foundation donations of more than $1 million to three organizations in areas affected by the attacks.
The Sylvan Learning Foundation has created a September 11th Education Fund that will match donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000.
AEGON USA has established a special fund to assist families of firefighters, police and military personnel who lost their lives as a result of the tragic events. Employee gifts to this fund will be matched on a 2-to-1 basis.
Some companies are making in-kind contributions. In addition to a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross, Procter & Gamble donated products for the disaster cities.
Kaiser Permanente/Baltimore is selling American flag lapel pins for a minimum donation of $5.00. All proceeds from the sales in their five medical centers will be sent to the Red Cross.
Others have established funds or accounts to which donors can contribute. The Lockheed Martin Corp. is providing an initial donation of $1 million and is soliciting employees to contribute to the Lockheed Martin American Spirit Fund, which will be administered through The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region.
Although many individuals, foundations and corporations already have offered assistance, more support is needed! Relief organizations tell us that what is most needed are cash donations to provide immediate and long-term assistance in response to this tragedy. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of the contributions will go to relief efforts. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Betsy Nelson is executive director of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers. Her column appears in this space every other week. She can be contacted at bnelson@abagmd.org. Copyright © 2001 The Daily Record
