Dear Board members, Volunteers and Friends of the Education Technology Foundation:
My location and schedule prevented my presence today but please accept my congratulations to you all on this milestone accomplishment you have all reached together.
Its almost impossible to believe its been ten years since a small grass roots group of IT people and sponsors got together to install a bunch a technology upgrades at various schools in the Buffalo area to improve access to technology and the Internet for those that need it most.
I can recall it like it was yesterday.
I was with a bunch of co-workers from Catholic health, on the united way day of caring in 2002 and wondered why cant we do something similar to help foster and improve access to information technology and content!
Well, thanks to a bunch of super dedicated volunteers we did just that!
The initial work was made possible by sponsorship from the Catholic health system, Kaleida health, the Diocese of Buffalo and a huge outpouring of IT volunteers. Tireless efforts by all, and also great service delivery in the process.
Five years ago I moved many miles away to New York, but have continued to watch this organization grow and develop by leaps and bounds.
What an impressive group. This organization had blossomed in a truly wonderful way.
Amazing leadership by folks like Renee Cerullo, David Rhoads, Elizabeth Schanbacher, Deny Adelman, and of course all the other trustees and hundreds of volunteers.
While I may have initiated something small with the first step back then, its amazing to see what the fantastic leaders have made out of that simple idea today.
Your Mission Is Strong:
To provide underserved organizations with access to technology through technical services and hardware donations so those in need may acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in school and today's rapidly changing marketplace.
This Foundation supports the set up and installation of reliable networks, computers, smartboards, servers and other types of technology for community centers, shelters, schools, or other non-profits in need.
The Foundation to date has helped young people at more than 90 schools, organizations and community centers in the WNY area.
This is still truly a great way for IT professionals to give back to the community in a very meaningful way! My congratulations to you all, I can’t wait to see where you take this fantastic organization in the next decade! Many thanks for your inspiration and perseverance and all the great work you do. You are a great asset to the Western New York community.
In Admiration,
Doug Torre