[Cicero]

The Foundation is here:

http://bettyong.org/

I note that the President/CEO is Cathie Ong-Herrera.

I’m divided on this one. On the one hand, this was a terrible blow to her family. On the other hand, that message was public, and was a part of history. And I don’t know what percentage of donations go to the people who run the foundation.

Fine if people want to donate, but no one should be compelled to do so.

[Brad from Tennessee]

[I note that the President/CEO is Cathie Ong-Herrera.]

This is Betty's sister, or sister-in-law. I would imagine she is paid a salary as CEO as well as expenses for travel, entertainment, etc. in soliciting donations. Harry Ong sits on the board.

[usconservative]

The survivors contend that Ms. Ong’s voice, recorded on a call from American Airlines Flight 11 before it hit the World Trade Center, was improperly used in an opening sequence of “Zero Dark Thirty.”

In the last moments of anyone's life, I seriously doubt Betty Ong or her family knew or consented to her call being recorded, and I certainly understand their objection to her voice and her final message being used in a movie without their consent.

Having said that, agree with your concerns about how the money is used by a foundation run by a family relative. Yes, that does smack of impropriety. I would not go as far as other posters however (as you did not - kudos for that) in accusing them of "cashing in." That's a revolting allegation considering posters on this forum have no personal knowledge of the family or their intent.

[dennisw]

The Foundation is here:        http://bettyong.org/ I note that the President/CEO is Cathie Ong-Herrera.

Her salary depends on donations. Many NGOs and charities are booming these days with injections of Gov't money and some private money. Good biz (racket really) to be in compared to actually making or doing something useful