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 our 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" |
