As the BNI Foundation has done in the wake of most large natural disasters, we are again opening a fund for relief and humanitarian aid following the devastation in Haiti after the recent 7.0 earthquake there.

All monies donated through the BNI Foundation will go directly to the Red Cross which has mobilized many resources, doctors, and nurses to the devastated area. In addition, the BNI Foundation will match the first $10,000 USD donated to the relief effort!

The NYC Outer Boroughs Region is presently collecting donations through Monday, January 25, 2010. 

Here are three "quick and easy" ways chapters and members can contribute: 

1.  Ask for a contributions by members. Any amount is fine.  For those paying via check, it should be made payable to the BNI-Misner Foundation.  On the memo line write

“Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.” 

For those who donate via cash through the chapter, Secretary/Treasurers will issue one check from the chapter check payable to the BNI-Misner Foundation for the total amount and will provide a list of names with their donation amounts which will be sent to the Foundation, with a request that a receipt be issued for tax purposes.

For members who want to pay with a credit/debit card, they can click here to make a secure donation via credit/debit card to the BNI-Misner Foundation.

Put “Haiti Relief Fund” in the comment field of the online donation form, along with your chapter's name and city (i.e. Haiti Relief Fund, John Doe, BNI XYZ Chapter, Brooklyn, NY)

2. For those chapters that hold 50/50 drawings, you may want to donate this week's proceeds to the BNI-Misner Foundation.   (Issue a chapter check by following the above instructions).

3. Chapters with excess money in their bank accounts can do a chapter donation from some of their funds. (Issue a chapter check by following the above instructions).

AFTER THE MONEY IS COLLECTED, SECRETARY/TREASURERS WILL SEND IT TO THE REGIONAL OFFICE AT:

BNI NYC OUTER BOROUGHS, 387 Pelton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. 

Donations must be received by Monday, January 25, 2010 To Ensure Fast Delivery.

*Donations are tax-free for members in the United States, (for other countries, please check with your CPA or accountant for guidelines). The BNI-Misner Foundation is part of the California Community Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. 

To learn more about the BNI-Misner Foundation, visit www.bnifoundation.org

Follow the BNI Foundation’s involvement in the relief efforts at www.BNIFoundationFans.ning.com.