An Overview of ShelterBox USA by Michael Keefe Gorman

ShelterBox USA is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, that seeks to provide basic emergency needs for survivors of disasters. The organization provides emergency shelter and other equipment to residents in areas affected by disasters like volcanoes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. ShelterBox was founded by Tom Henderson, who asked himself what his family would need should they ever lose everything. He decided to develop a compact kit that would supply families with the basic necessities. Each box features a tent and other equipment, each geared toward a different emergency.

To meet the needs of those in disaster zones, ShelterBox USA uses Response Teams that deliver boxes to those who need aid. The teams are made up of volunteers who are capable of handling the devastating situations they may encounter. Individuals interested in volunteering with ShelterBox USA or donating to the organization should visit http://www.shelterboxusa.org to learn more about how to get involved.

About the author: Michael Keefe Gordon supports numerous charities, including ShelterBox USA, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Meals on Wheels, and the American Cancer Society. Professionally he works in investments wealth management.

Michael Keefe Gorman Discusses Rotary International and Polio

Since Rotary International’s creation in the early 20th century, it has involved itself in numerous philanthropic activities. One important mission for the organization concerns the elimination of polio, and it has raised over $1.2 billion to eradicate the disease. One way it accomplishes this goal is by partnering with the 24-year-old Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

In September 2012, Rotary International announced its commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative by pledging $75 million to partly cover its $945 million funding gap. Rotary International announced this plan at a September 27 event featuring United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Bill Gates, and other leaders. Due to their efforts, polio hit an all-time low in the first three-quarters of 2012, with only 140 cases reported. Also that year, the World Health Organization removed India from its polio endemic list. Today, the poliovirus is only endemic to Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

About the Author:

A graduate of St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish, Michael Keefe Gorman serves on the board of his local Rotary International chapter.