Bergen Bowmen make a donation to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information call 201-847-9133

September 14, 2005

Bergen Bowmen have decided to respond to the need of those affected by Hurricane Katrina and have presented a $375.00 donation to the American Red Cross.

During the September meeting, the initial request to send a donation to the Red Cross for the victims of Hurricane Katrina came from Joel Riotto, a life member and a past president of the club. Don Fraizer, another life member and past vice-president quickly mentioned that we donate a sum of $200.00 from our general funds. It was approved and accepted without any discussion needed; we have always responded to those in need and this would be no different.

Promptly after that, the current president, Bruce Rapp, felt that we could do more and opened the floor up for further ideas. Through a quick discussion, it was decided the money from our meeting’s general raffle would also go to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort. The raffle brought in a total of $175.00 and was added to the initial donation. A check has been cut for a total sum of $375.00.

Kathrine Surlak, our secretary, was to send the check by mail to the American Red Cross. Instead she decided to present the check to the local Bergen-Hudson American Red Cross Chapter located on Godwin Avenue in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Kathrine explained, “I thought it was quicker to present a check to the local chapter and Ridgewood is not that far away. After all, the Bergen Bowmen, Inc. is a Bergen County Archery Club and infact the only archery club left in Bergen County. Diane Walker, the person who collects the donations at the Bergen-Hudson Center was very happy to receive the check. Every bit helps when there are so many people in need right now.” 

Over the many years the Bergen Bowmen have given donations of money to various needs both inside and outside the archery/outdoor sporting community. Four years ago we send money to the NY Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund as many of our members were touched by the events that happened on that fateful day. Again we see a need and support the effort. It is an American thing to do as well as a right thing to do.

The Bergen Bowmen, Inc. is a not for profit archery organization that has existed in Bergen County, New Jersey since 1953.