PEF WTC Relief Fund helping victims’ families The PEF World Trade Center Relief Fund has been a source of support for the families of the victims of the September 11 tragedy. To date, more than 480 contributors have pushed the total to $103,945. “I have spent many hours with the families of the PEF members who were lost, holding hands and listening to the stories of how their lives have been shattered, and will never be the same,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “It brought me an immense feeling of pride to know that because of the donations we received, we were able to provide them with financial support. The generosity of our members and friends in a time of such real need has been both overwhelming and heartwarming,” he said. To ensure a fair and equitable distribution to the families, the PEF World Trade Center Fund Committee was created. “They devised a formula for distribution,” said PEF Director of Finance Tom Curley. “The first checks, encompassing approximately 80 percent of the funds or $70,000, were issued to 31 families on December 17,” Curley said. The largest check was for $6,000, and was sent to a family with four children, including three in college. The balance of the fund is now at $33,730. PEF will mail more checks this spring. Contributions are still being accepted and should be sent to PEF Headquarters in Albany, attention: PEF WTC Fund. — Deborah A. Miles