Delegates to the RA generously donated $17,500 to NYSUT's Disaster Relief Fund, which is used to help people who are victims from natural and other disasters. The fundraising effort was part of the union's Throw Out the Lifeline campaign that was initiated to increase donations to meet the great need of those still trying to rebuild their lives after Superstorm Sandy.
Delegates who donated to the fund were able to enter three drawings for iPad minis. Winners were UFT members Sherylyn Bailey and Lisa Fung Fernandes, and Karen Vecellio of Ichabod Crane TA.
"We really went over the top! Thank you, thank you," said NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, who co-chairs the fund with Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler.
The need is still great. The fund, which depends entirely on donations, already has provided grants to about 2,000 Sandy victims; another 1,000 requests for help are pending. To make a donation, visit www.nysut.org/disasterrelief.