Helen Reisler will go down in history, not only as the first woman President of the Rotary Club of New York, but as the President who was unexpectedly faced with the greatest challenge—-an unprecedented terror attack on her own city.

Without a second thought, Helen innately knew what she had to do on that fateful day of 9/11. She “rose to the occasion”, taking the reigns of leadership in a most admirable and awesome way.

Her focus became threefold—instilling team spirit in our own club members, giving immediate aid to victims and rescue workers, and coordinating money contributions for the neediest. At the same time, she insisted that all activity be communicated, daily, to the world through our own “up to the minute” website. She interviewed for a six page article in “The Rotarian” magazine entitled, “Ground Zero”, which highlighted the heroic actions of individual members who volunteered at “The Pit”.

Our weekly club meetings became a patriotic and “safe haven” for members, rescue workers, and victims’ families, where hope, camaraderie, and spirit were shared, the effects of which are still felt today.

Helen, personally, received over 400 E-mails from Rotarians around the globe, and answered them well into the nights, encouraging contributions to the “Disaster Relief Fund” which she set up with our Foundation. This Fund accumulated over 1.4 million dollars, and more importantly, was distributed in a timely fashion to a variety of needy people.

Through the teamwork of special committees which she set up, over 50 rescue workers were sent on “rest vacations” to Rotary clubs in New Zealand, England and Nantucket. We helped the Delta Club distribute hundreds of quilts to victims’ children and had 8 families “adopted” by Michigan Rotarians. Helen met with her “9/11 committee” every single week before the regular luncheons.

Our successful accomplishments prompted Rotary clubs throughout the States to invite Helen as a speaker. She has traveled, on our behalf, to Missouri, California, Texas and others, where she proudly relates the heroic deeds of The Rotary Club of New York

(A presentation by Rotary Club of New York City #6 in 2003)

Also, see our section on "Remembering 9-11"