A Letter from a 2000 Bill Raskob Recipient
I received assistance from the Bill Raskob Foundation in 2005. Receiving the funds changed my life. I just wanted to let you all know that you really made a difference in my life, my child’s life and we are thankful everyday. When I received the funds, I was a single mother on the verge of homelessness. My only hope was going to college to get my degree. I put forth everything I had to get through college, even in the poorest and hardest times in my life.
I received my Master’s degree from one of the finest academic institutions (Washington University in St. Louis) in 2007 and have since been working in Washington, DC for the federal government (thanks to you). I wouldn’t have even started my Master’s degree without all of you at the foundation. The only way that I even made it to the college was because of the funds that you provided. My son and I sold everything that we owned to move to St. Louis so I could go to college. We were living in an RV in Montana just waiting for the funds to drive to St. Louis so that I could start school. I remember that I called your office in a panic and you issued a check immediately to help us get to college and pay for the necessary expenses to get started with school that year. After I received the funds I loaded my son up (each with a box of clothes and some toys for him) and we left Montana behind. It was hard going to school in a new city with nothing but your clothes and a few toys, without family, and away from the community and way of life that was familiar to us. Somehow I made it, step-by-step and day-by-day.
The work that I do everyday in the government helps thousands of people, mostly American Indian and Alaska Natives. Right now I am the lead on a First Lady initiative called Let’s Move! in Indian Country. This initiative wouldn’t even be in existence without me being in the position that I am in today. Sometimes I can’t even believe that it is me doing all the work that I am doing because I never even imagined that success at this level could be possible for me. I am also working on developing comprehensive health and wellness services in federally funded schools educating American Indian and Alaska Native youth. This work impacts almost 48,000 children on a day to day basis. This is the first time that these issues have gained this much momentum and change. You can see some of this work by doing a google search “Let’s Move! in Indian Country” or by viewing the website www.letsmove.gov/IndianCountry. All of this is because of you…so thank you again!
A Letter from a 2005 Bill Raskob Recipient
"In 1929 I was a sophomore at the University of Iowa. As did millions of Americans, my parents suffered a major financial set back. We lost the home my father had designed and his company had built. I was the first female member of my family on either side (and except for my father, the only member of my family) to attend a university. I would have been forced to drop out of college.
My aunt, Rose Duffy, contacted The Bill Raskob Foundation and asked for educational loan assistance for me. I was granted an educational loan of, I think, $3000 to complete my university education. I was never asked to sign a note. I was never charged any interest. It took me a long time to pay back the loan. But eight years later, before I married in 1940, 1 did pay back my obligation in full.
I recall one family discussion long ago. A relative questioned the wisdom of spending money on my education rather than a male relatives. My mother said," Margaret will always have it in her head". John and I were blessed with five children. We raised our family in South Bend, Indiana. Our daughters include: a special education teacher in Wisconsin, with a masters degree, and three children.
An advertising executive living in New York City with two children. And a retired General Accounting
Office /Foreign Service Officer living in McLean, VA with a Master's Degree, and three children. Our Sons include: a highly decorated Vietnam War Veteran, New York attorney with two children, and a
San Francisco plastic surgeon with one child. I have told each of my children of the benefit that your foundation has provided to our family.
My younger brother Ed also benefited from your good works. Because of your generosity, he was able to complete his study of medicine at Cornell University Medical Center in New York City. He spent much of World War II as a doctor in the jungles of New Guinea. Ed contracted malaria there. Following the War, and for more than a third of a century, Dr. Edward Carey was the only ophthalmologist in the entire north east quarter of the State of Iowa.
John died in 1994. As a paraplegic for the last 15 years of his life, he was an inspiration to those of us with milder disabilities. He taught us how to live with strength and dignity. I was 91 three weeks ago. This is a letter I have long intended to write. Certain health issues come with the territory. My children helped produce this letter, but all of the words are mine, as is my signature.
Thank you for the opportunities you have provided to me and in turn, to my family."
A Letter from a 2000 Bill Raskob Recipient
Raskob Foundation Selection Committee:
This is the first payment of many to come on a loan that has changed my life. In June I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard College, and I am currently earning my Master's Degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Without your support, I could not have accomplished either of these feats. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making possible for me what any poor country girl would think impossible.
I will faithfully repay this debt of finance, but I don't know if I will ever truly repay this debt of gratitude.
A Tribute from Helena & John J. Raskob to Bill Raskob
He was known as Bill to everyone and ever had a heart full of sympathy for, and an unselfish desire, to help those in need, trouble or sorrow. Bill was a devout Roman Catholic and was ever true to his friends, himself, his family and Yale University, his alma mater, His cheery smile, his honesty, his sincerity and integrity reflected his character and high ideals, gaining for him friends who will ever carry the finest memory of him and their association with him.
Bill was only 20 when he died, but he had developed traits of character which made him more lovable. He had a big heart. Ever since he was a child his heart responded to every appeal from those in need and he gave to his utmost ability of giving. And so we have made this foundation, for we know, if Bill were living, nothing would be more pleasing to him than to give some poor child a fair start in life, as will be done with this foundation.
'Skipper' and 'Dad'
A Tribute from Helena & John J. Raskob to Bill Raskob
Where did you get those eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.
What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?
Some of the starry spikes left In.
Where did you get that little tear?
I found it waiting when I got here.
What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as I came by.
What makes your cheeks like a warm white rose?
I saw something better than anyone knows.
Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?
Three angels gave me at once a kiss.
Where did you get those arms and hands?
Love made itself into bonds and bands.
Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?
From the same box as the cherubs wings.
How did they all just come to be you?
God thought about me and so I grew.
But, how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.
The Bill Raskob Foundation