9/11 Funds Finally Allocated

The repaying of the 9-11 Fund is a great step forward for our OCA! It was, to be very sure, better late than never.
Patty Schellbach

#1 Patty Schellbach on 2008-12-15 11:58

I am happy that this has finally been resolved.

However, I am left wondering why we had to give the remaining balance to the 911 cause, a cause that has attracted tens of millions of dollars bequeathed to a relatively small amount of victims. (not trying to sound insensitive but Katrina is one example of a disaster of wider scope)

A motion should have been made at the AAC to use the money in some other charitable manner. I feel giving it to the Greek church damaged or perhaps to IOCC to use in the middle east could of gone father then firehouses. At this point the money will have little effect on people in NY.

#2 Anonymous on 2008-12-15 13:34

"However, I am left wondering why we had to give the remaining balance to the 911 cause"

If the money was given to the OCA, earmarked for 9/11 funds, then legally and ethically the money must be given for that cause. When funds are donated with a caveat for a special cause, that is called giving "Restricted Funds" and they must be given to the specified cause.

You can find more information about this on the Association of Fundraising Professionals website at www.afpnet.org.

#2.1 Philippa Alan on 2008-12-15 20:11

After all this time, you don't get it? We donated money specifically for 9/11 relief, not to a general charitable slush fund. Distribution of these funds, and ALL other funds designated for specific charitable purposes, is the absolute minimum that must be done in order to restore trust for future appeals.

Last night I went to a little country church to hear their Christmas Cantata. At the end, a collection was taken for a Shriner's Hospital, and it was emphasized that every penny of the collection would go to that hospital. I believed them when I made my donation. I pray that I and others will have that same feeling of trust during our next OCA charitable appeal.

#2.2 Scott Benton on 2008-12-15 21:13

You're probably right on a certain level, but I see those in Syosset trying to rectify something gone wrong and being absolutely scrupulous about it -- after all the donors did specify the 9/11 fund. Such adherence to the donors' original intention is critical in the long road of re-establishing trust.

#2.3 Terry C. Peet on 2008-12-15 22:19

Dear Readers,

and those who cloak themselves in anonymity,

For your information:

The donations were given to New York Interfaith Disaster Services (NYDIS) for their "9-11 Unmet Needs Roundtable" fund.

This fund is to assist those survivors and relatives of victims seldom spoken of in the whole tragic story of September 11, 2001: undocumented restaurant workers, janitors, maintenance workers, cleaning staff, and the like.

Most of these working poor had NO insurance for their surviving families, were underpaid and overworked when alive, and completely forgotten after the tragedy.

This does not constitute part of a "cause that has attracted tens of millions of dollars bequeathed to a relatively small amount of victims."

We're NOT talking about assitance to the widows and orphans of cops, firemen and financial analysts. These are the folks who got all the media attention.

Rather, the funds have been allocated to assist those who suffered the worse from this act of terrorism: loss of a loved one and any semblance of financial stability.

Lastly, (as in the past) when the donated funds are fully disbursed, NYDIS will submit a full and detailed report to the OCA as to how this was done.

#2.4 Archpriest Daniel Degyansky on 2008-12-16 08:01

Better late than never!

Kudos to all those who kept the heat on and made this day happen.

KRT

#3 Kenneth R. Tobin on 2008-12-15 13:58

Good.

Hopefully this closes some open ended and frayed threads for our clergymen who worked to fund this effort.

It is strange how little there is to say when things are done right, even when they were wrong for so long.

#4 Daniel E. Fall on 2008-12-15 16:50

Wouldn't any of the treasurer's ever know about any of this misplaced money ? How could the same three be blamed when all of the treasurers saw every check? These attacks on the same few are getting boring. It's time to do some real investigating and start with Metropolitan Herman, Kucynda, and Oselinski.

(editor's note: All three have spoken to the SIC, their comments and actions (or inactions) are included in the report, and whatever punishments the Synod agreed to ( resignation, letters of reprimand) have been meted out.)

#5 Anonymous on 2008-12-15 17:55

That's all of their punishments? Wow , they're the boy's with the key to the vault!

#5.1 Anonymous on 2008-12-16 07:52

Good!

It's amazing how simple and straightforward it is to do the right thing, compared to how complicated and controversy-making it was to do the wrong thing.

#6 Rebecca Matovic on 2008-12-16 03:24

Isn't this the truth! Kind of reminds one of the simplicity and straightforwardness of the Gospel. Thank you for pointing out this profound truth. And thank God that actions like this have started to happen.

#6.1 Carl on 2008-12-16 14:18

Just reading the headline on this site felt good. In doing this the OCA is affirming their true belief in this specific charity. Many thousands still suffer from the effects of that horrible day and this act of charity and faith through our own harrowing circumstances is a blessing for all Orthodox Christians

#7 anon on 2008-12-16 08:43

They did the right thing!

Alex

#8 Rdr. Alexander Langley on 2008-12-16 13:16

Myself a 9/11 survivor, I find it atrocious that it has taken the church seven years to distribute these monies, which so many gave freely and honestly. More horrible is the fact that this payment and many others are from "borrowed" money / loans. To not distribute these monies is a federal crime. Its delay highlights for me the blatant disregard for those making the donations, those to whom it was intended and the laws of our federal government by +Herman and the former Synod.

This said, I am thankful and grateful to see this as one of the first actions of the new Metropolitan. And, I consider it a true sign of putting the physical house in order.

No trust or confidence could be given to the previous administration and its disregard of fiscal responsibility. I believe now it will be different; has to be different.

Thank you, +Jonah.

(Editor's note: Your thanks are more properly directed to Fr. Reeves, Fr. Tassos and the Metropolitan Council, who all arranged and approved this payment before the Metropolitan was elected.)

#9 Anonymous on 2008-12-19 00:12

Thank you for that. It's still a shame that this was not done sooner, and a real crime on the part of the past administration and Treasurer, Fr. K. Sadly, we will be paying for the donations in the form of loans. All this and a $25M+ lawsuit with no sure hope of settlement staring the church in the face. One step at a time I guess. I am hopeful toward +Jonah and the new administration, as I am with the new Patriarch of Russia. These are exciting times, and it almost seems pre-ordained the change we are living in - both in these examples, a new President, etc. Despite present reality, it gives me hope. Even seeing +Bartholomew at +Alexy's coffin. Hope. Maybe it's all coming together. Still, as +Jonah says - forgiveness does not admonish one from jail. If crimes were / are committed, these individuals should be accountable.

#9.1 Anonymous on 2008-12-23 00:17

I am very glad to see this. My parish had dedicated the proceeds of its entire 95th anniversary celebration to this appeal on my suggestion and now I can feel at peace that it got where it was meant to go. Glory be to God!

#10 Fr. David Subu on 2008-12-20 17:35

9/11 Funds Finally Allocated

OCA News

Monday, December 15. 2008

9/11 Funds Finally Allocated

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