HURRICANE KATRINA:
A Call To Action For All Sinfonians
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September 2, 2005
Dear Brother Sinfonians:
As we watch the near-apocalyptic stories unfolding on the evening news,
I wanted to take the opportunity to write to all of you with this
message: I encourage all Sinfonians, please, as individuals or as
chapters (or both), consider making a donation to a reputable charity
in
support of the hurricane relief efforts. This letter is being sent to
every email address we have - every individual, every chapter, every
alumni association, every listserv... everyone.
ALL BROTHERS: I ask that you look to your heart, and make a gift to the
hurricane relief efforts, no matter how large or small. Every gift
helps, whether donating funds or volunteering for a relief agency.
CHAPTERS and ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS: My charge to you is to hold a
fundraiser and donate all the proceeds to a reputable relief
organization.
Some of you may have already given -- if so, thank you for doing your
part for your fellow man. For those who have already done so, I hope
you will not be offended by receiving this. But if every individual
Sinfonian and every chapter reach out with charity to assist their
fellow man in this time of need, the tens of thousands of Sinfonians
together can have a truly substantial impact on the suffering of the
victims of this terrible disaster.
Anyone watching the news realizes, "This could have been me. It could
have been any of us. It could have been my family." This will not pass
soon brothers -- we're talking of suffering not in terms of weeks, but
months or years. This is shaping up to be the largest weather-related
tragedy to hit the United States in its history. There are seven
chapters and colonies of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in the affected area,
including one in New Orleans itself and one on the opposite side of
Lake
Pontchartrain. We have at least 150 brother Sinfonians in the New
Orleans area, many of whom, like so many of their neighbors, are
doubtlessly struggling for food and shelter.
We all know the words, "Phi Mu Alpha expects each man to act a
brother's
part," and this refers not only to our initiated brothers but to the
brotherhood of mankind. The people of Louisiana, Mississippi and
Alabama need our help, just as we would depend on the generosity of
others if we were the victims of such a tragedy. This is a moment when
the world needs Sinfonians to show what we are made of, to pour out the
goodness in our hearts.
You will find internet links for some reputable charities at the bottom
of this letter. This list is obviously incomplete -- I suggest these
because we are certain of their integrity. There will be unscrupulous
people out there trying to take advantage of this situation -- events
such as these bring out the best and the worst in human nature -- so we
want to make sure your gifts are put in honest hands.
As tempers flare, as looting runs rampant, and as the loss of life and
livelihood becomes more apparent, let Sinfonians be among those who
steadfastly and honorably step forward to help those in need in a way
that would have made Father Mills proud.
Affectionately, and Fraternally yours in Phi Mu Alpha,
Richard A. Crosby, Eta-Omicron (Cincinnati) '75
National President
president@sinfonia.org
* PS: Please forward this message to all chapter and alumni association
listservs, as well as to any Sinfonians with whom you have contact.
* To view this message online, please visit:
http://www.sinfonia.org/katrina.asp
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SUGGESTED CHARITIES
American Red Cross
Online:
http://www.redcross.org
Phone: (800) HELP NOW (435-7669)
Salvation Army
Online:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Phone: (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Habitat for Humanity
Online:
http://www.habitat.org
Phone: (800) HABITAT (422-4828)
America's Second Harvest
Online:
http://www.secondharvest.org
Phone: (800) 344-8070
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Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity
National Headquarters
10600 Old State Road
Evansville, Indiana 47711-1399
(800) 473-2649
http://www.sinfonia.org/
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