To All Delegates and Members
December 8 , 2000
In just a few short days it will be December 18th, the deadline for choosing the PBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund as your designated charity, under the Combined Municipal Campaign. This designation will allow a contribution, as a payroll deduction, from your paycheck, directly to the Widows’ and Children’s Fund, just like many other long accepted charities.
The PBA Widow’s and Orphan’s ( now changed to Children’s) Fund has been around for many years. Funding was always done on an ad hoc basis, leaving the union in the uncomfortable position of begging for money. Some years, when the economy was good, corporate contributions were more forthcoming than during more lean economic times. As a result, the services we were able to provide to the families of our slain brothers was very much dependent on those changing contributions.
When this administration took office, the Fund was seriously depleted. Responding to our call, many delegates stepped up fund raising efforts in the Precincts to the point where the Fund is now back on a firm financial footing. In addition to these efforts, we requested that the Fund be added to the list of official charities that make up the Combined Municipal Campaign. Our application for inclusion has been accepted. Now, as police officers, each and every one of us will be in a position to “take care of our own” and insure that the families of slain members of the service be treated with the proper level of respect and dignity.
In closing, let me ask once again that each of you see your training officer for the proper forms and make the proper selection by December 18th. Your donation, through this mechanism, will make it a little easier for the PBA to care for the loved ones of those among us who have made the supreme sacrifice.
Fraternally,
