October 31, 2001
 
 

Dear Board Member:

I want to take this time to write to you and discuss the recent developments regarding the retirement of our American Red Cross President, Dr. Bernadine Healy.  I was in Washington when I learned that she would make an announcement regarding this matter.  Like so many Red Cross employees, I was certainly surprised.  Quite frankly, I believe that she was representing our organization with strong leadership.  It turns out that there were some unresolved policy matters between her and the Board of Governors.

The timing of this retirement decision is certainly not in the best interest of our organization, however, we must move ahead with our defined September 11th initiatives.  The Board of Governor’s General Counsel, Mr. Harold Decker, is stepping in as the interim President until a new President is selected.  It will take several months to fill this position and I will keep you informed regarding the selection process and completion.

The news media are beginning to call regarding the allocation of our funds at the National Office and we would like to see our National Representatives express and clarify the Board of Governors position.  Locally, our fund-raising has been affected by the National Disaster Fund (Liberty Fund) because people prefer to give to the national disaster rather than to our local operation.

In the meantime, let me take you through a synopsis of where service is being performed and how the money is being spent.  We have received an unprecedented $542,000,000 for this “Liberty Fund.”  This money would not flow into our regular Disaster Fund.  The National Board of Governors has now notified all news media to cease running requests for money and blood.  They are informing the public that sufficient funds are available for the Red Cross to execute disaster relief assistance.  I have enclosed statistical information with this letter.

These have been extraordinary times for our country and the Red Cross has been working daily to provide our relief services free to those affected and those assisting  them.  The most significant asset of the American Red Cross is the International Principle of Volunteerism.  Of the 44,386 Disaster Services personnel assigned to this terrible disaster, 42,566 are volunteers.  This is the benefit of having a non-governmental relief organization specializing in Disaster Administration.  Our Disaster Services has assigned 44 volunteers from the Louisville Area Chapter and the state of Kentucky to the disaster sites.  Well-trained volunteers allow our organization to administer the best, qualified assistance at the least possible cost.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and we appreciate your time, direction, and support for this fine organization.

With respect,
 
 

Douglas G. O’Donnell, Ed.D.
Manager