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BNI Foundation Reaches Out to Children Worldwide
The BNI Foundation, with its focus on children and education, has given many mini-grants to aid education programs for children over the last 12 months. The Foundation has two levels to recognize individual donors: Patron ($500 donation) and Benefactor ($1000 donation). Now, there are three levels to recognize CHAPTERS that donate to the mini-grant program. The Grant Sponsor level ($500 donation), the Master Grant Sponsor level ($1000 donation), and the Distinguished Grant Sponsor level ($2000 donation) honors those chapters who donate to the General Fund, out of which the Board of Advisors approves our mini grants. Chapters interested in participating in our mini-grant program can obtain a pledge form at our BNI Foundation's website: www.bni.org. BNI Response to Attack on America
Immediately after the attacks, the BNI Foundation coordinated a "matching contribution" effort to assist the American Red Cross in the recovery from the terrorist attack on the United States (a report on this campaign is below). If you wish to continue to support the Red Cross through the BNI Foundation, you may send contributions c/o the New York Fund, and we will forward 100 percent of those monies to the American Red Cross to assist with their efforts. See www.bni.com News Briefs section. Your contribution made out to: BNI Foundation NY Fund 199 S. Monte Vista #6 San Dimas, CA 91773-3080 We have heard from our New York BNI Directors, and I am pleased to announce that all BNI chapter Presidents and members are reported to be doing well. Finally, I am pleased to announce that the BNI Foundation will be making a $50,000 contribution to the American Red Cross on October 10, thanks to the generous donations of our BNI Family from around the world! I have received many emails from people all over the world offering words of encouragement. One that I would like to share with you comes from Nancy and Don Morgan, National Directors from Canada. Part of their message was that: "BNI stands for the antithesis of what happened in the USA and throughout the world everyday. BNI stands for cooperation, help, assistance and support of others. Your generous response for "cooperation, help, assistance and support" for the people of New York are a testament to the nature and commitment of you and the members of this organization. Other letters are shared below as well. Thank you all. Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D. Founder & CEO BNI Comments from Directors and Members Dear BNI Directors and Friends, The events of today show the terrible side to human nature. Like you, our hearts go out to those who experienced this man-made disaster first hand and very personally. It is very hard for us to keep focused on the tasks at hand during this crisis. Nancy and I believe the best way to cope with this horrible calamity in the long run, will be to continue moving ahead, and support with even more energy, those positive human forces that we believe in both personally and corporately. BNI adopted a policy supportive of diversity several years ago. This policy becomes more impressive as we emerge from our shock and begin to look for the culprits to the deeds of today. Dealing affirmatively with thugs, criminals and the fringe element is an immediate priority; civilizing our neighborhood, our nation and our world is the gargantuan task. BNI stands for the antithesis of what happened today in the USA and throughout the world everyday. BNI stands for cooperation, help, assistance and support of others. Nancy and my strong support of our BNI organization is best summarized by a Canadian woman giving testimony to Masters of Networking (and BNI). She said, "It's refreshing to know that good relationships and principles for ethical living are also good for business." BNI is so unique in our competitive world. Nancy and I will keep using this vehicle to promote the movement toward more understanding, support and sharing in business and the world. For those of you who called us to make sure we were OK and not in the air today—thank you for your concern. We share your anguish. Don and Nancy Morgan BNI Canada Dear Ivan, It was comforting to be at my "home" BNI Meeting this morning, a strong reminder of the valuable friendships we have which have come to us through this organization. We have a "family", not just a referral marketing team--we provide so much more, and we receive so much more, and it couldn't have been more strongly confirmed, than what I saw in the faces of my colleagues this day after our horrible tragedy! I want to thank you for your support, and for your updates on our people in NYC. I know many people who work at WTC and are waiting to hear. Thank you again for reaching out to all of us. Trina Mercado Assistant Director Rochester, New York Dear Dr. Misner, Thank you for providing a way for all of us to help and to do so as a group. For that is how we are at our best, when we work together, as a group. Claudia MacDermott Assistant Director to Lance Mead Dear Ivan, What a noble gesture for BNI Foundation to do. I applaud you. I have passed this along to all my LT Teams and AD's. As everyone else is, we are in shock. What more can I say right now. Gayle Williams New Mexico/W. Texas Dear Dr. Misner, We are shocked and horrified by the tragedy shaking the foundations of the United States. Our experience with terror does nothing to prepare us for the dimensions of yesterday's attacks. Our thoughts and hearts are with our colleagues, friends, directors and members BNI in New York and throughout the States. Daniel Kutnick National Director BNI Israel Dear Ivan, On behalf of the membership of BNI in Miami, I thank you for your leadership of our organization into a worthy cause during this time of great uncertainty for our nation. Our membership in Miami is quite proud of the thoughtful and decisive actions BNI as an organization have taken, and I speak for us all in South Florida when I say we stand ready to help in any way we can. Sincerely, Jeff Stay Executive Director BNI Miami Dade, Inc. "Building Profitable Relationships, One Member at a Time." |
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