Locals honored for tsunami relief efforts

April 8, 2005

See also: Tom Hobart's eyewitness reports of union tsunami relief efforts in South Asia

Twelve NYSUT locals were recognized during yesterday's Local Presidents' Conference for contributing $1,000 or more toward the union's tsunami relief effort. In all, 57 locals - of all different sizes - collected more than $52,000 to aid the victims of the deadly tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia in December. In addition, NYSUT contributed $25,000 to help get displaced teachers and their students back to school.

The locals that raised $1,000 or more were: Half Hollow Hills TA, $1,000, President Richard Lee; Hilton Central School TA, $1,000, President Kathleen Donahue; NYSUT Retirees of Western New York, $1,000, President Bruce Smith; Smithtown TA, $1,050, President Pete DeFina; Bay Shore Classroom TA, $1,600, President Donna Doyle; Hyde Park TA, $1,715, President Daniel Kuffner; BOCES Educators of East Suffolk, $2,000, President James Arden; Mount Sinai TA, $2,000, President Mitch Wolman; North Syracuse EA, $2,000.58, President Sylvia Matousek; Kingston Teachers Federation, $2,984, President Hugh Spoljaric; West Sayville TA, $3,015.30, represented by Susan Metzler; and Starpoint TA, $5,500, President Robert Nyitrai.

The 12 locals honored at the Local Presidents' Conference received engraved plaques to recognize their humanitarian efforts. All contributing locals will receive a framed certificate of appreciation.

"We thank everyone who made a donation, no matter what the amount," said union Vice President Dick Iannuzzi. "Thank you for the humanity you've again demonstrated as you help NYSUT make a difference in the world."