They already did -- to the tune of $65,000, $50K of which...
...was donated from their own pockets -- to the American Red Cross Liberty Fund and five local (Central TX) public safety organizations ...
I ran the donation event (Dec 22, '01) for them (provided PR: lining up guest, speakers, recipient representatives from the six organizations, and the (D) Representative Lloyd Doggett and Austin's first-ever Hispanic mayor.
Was quite a success.
Here's my write-up for their newsletter, which I'm now doing for/with them:
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Dec. 22, 2001 — Under brilliant, cloudless blue skies in shirt-sleeve weather conditions — with TV news cameras from three local network affiliated stations rolling, and a reporter and photographer from the Austin American-Statesman writing pages of notes and clicking dozens of pictures — W_____ S____ opened a 45-minute presentation at Fiesta Gardens, a city park on the East Austin shores of Town Lake by welcoming 300 guests that included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin Mayor Gus Garcia and Williamson County Sheriff John Maspero.
“With the events of September 11, GAMA members — many of whom are first-generation immigrants to the United States from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — felt personal responsibility to come forward and express solidarity in our support for this great nation,” says S___, who spoke on GAMA’s behalf at the donation presentation of a total of $65,000 to the American Red Cross Liberty fund and five Central Texas public safety organizations. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country — that is our feeling,” S___ said, citing President Kennedy’s quote as inspiration for the fund raising.
The event took place during Capitol Beverage Company’s annual business appreciation holiday party for its independent convenience store customers. Capitol Beverage is one of GAMA’s certified vendors.
The money collected at GAMA stores in donations from customers totaled about $15,000, and GAMA members themselves added $50,000.
The event began with a brief presentation by Holly Doggett, director of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. “Your generosity is greatly appreciated,” said Doggett. “We have provided assistance — financial assistance — to over 30,000 people directly affected by the events of September 11, and by year’s end, the Red Cross will have extended over $300 million in direct response.”
Congressman Lloyd Doggett — who, coincidentally, is Holly Doggett’s brother-in-law — spoke to the GAMA members after lunching with several. “I think the wonderful thing about Texas is that it has enough space for the best and the brightest people from all over the world to come here ... to get an education ... to build a business ... to raise a family. And, if there’s a 'moonwalk' available, to — literally — jump with joy!” He added, “As we succeed in capturing the terrorists who caused so much harm here and indeed great harm in the areas they have been in Pakistan and in Afghanistan. We will be continually assessing these problems. And I think it will be invaluable to have the insight of Muslim Americans who know — first-hand — the strengths of their own culture, and some of the challenges they have faced in the past— to give us guidance as we work throughout the entire world."
“So I say thanks to you, in that we look forward not only to your gift of money, but your gift of good counsel as we shape and develop our policy as a country.”
Austin Mayor Gus Garcia — who is the first Hispanic mayor in Austin’s history — echoed the Congressman’s sentiments about opportunity and cultural diversity. “We have deep appreciation for businesses coming together to address the needs that we have. It’s very encouraging to me to see that you all got the money together to help the Red Cross and our public safety agencies."
The five local organizations that received $5,000 each from GAMA were: the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Williamson County and Travis County Sheriffs’ Departments, and the 100 Club of Central Texas, which is a non-profit organization that assists families of Central Texas police officers killed in the line of duty.
Ginger Bauman, executive vice president of the 100 Club, has provided GAMA with 250 100 Club decals that can be displayed on vehicle windshields or used as exterior store-front displays.
Williamson County Sheriff John Maspero returned early from vacation trip in order to be present at the event to personally accept GAMA’s donation check.
The GAMA board members, spouses, the representatives of the organizations that received donations and the Congressman and Mayor wore fresh Texas yellow rose boutonnieres for the occasion.
GAMA board members A____ M____ and I_____l P_____ appeared on News 8 Austin and KXAN (NBC) newscasts Saturday evening. Ali, who did an interview with KLBJ Radio Saturday morning, listened to his own comments on his car radio en route to Fiesta Gardens during the station’s 1:00 p.m. news broadcast. _____l was also quoted in reporter Eileen Flynn’s article in the Metro/State section of the Austin American-Statesman Jan. 23. The accompanying photo featured J____ and B____ M____.
Said H____ C____, GAMA (board title) “This visibility is helping us become vital participants in the mainstream — Austin, Texas and United States — society and community.”
###
So, yes, 'George Coyne,' I would say the the people expressed their appreciation for being citizens of the United States -- just like you -- in the 'best way' for people like you to 'understand:'
With MONEY.
Agree?
-g-
bia |
