Ruth Lilly and Relief Efforts in Haiti -- December 15, 2009

January 15, 2010

Dear Friend,

Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier. For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.

In this week's Carson Courier:
The Passing of Ruth Lilly
Supporting Relief Efforts in Haiti

THE PASSING OF RUTH LILLY

At the beginning of the year, Indianapolis lost one of its finest citizens and greatest philanthropists. Ruth Lilly's endless generosity did more than just help people--it saved lives, transformed a city and left a legacy of progress that will continue for generations to come.

Her charity and devotion to Indianapolis left a footprint that stretches literally to every corner of this community. Ruth Lilly helped to fund many programs and organizations across the board as part of her recognition that comprehensive community development is required to build a world-class city. Her philanthropy supported innovative health care services, created world-class arts and cultural amenities, and generated greater educational opportunities for young people in the 7th District.

Ruth Lilly's legacy has been shaped not only for what she did, but by how she did it. She never sought any accolades or recognition for her work, and in fact her evasion of the spotlight was carefully calculated. Her motives were pure and her actions were selfless--wanting nothing more than to ensure her philanthropy would help lift up the Indianapolis community and its people. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lilly family during this difficult time.

SUPPORTING RELIEF EFFORTS IN HAITI

On the evening of January 12, a series of earthquakes with a magnitude between 6.5 to 7.3 struck Haiti in the highly populated area of Department Ouest, only 10 miles from its capital, Port-au-Prince. My heart goes out to the victims of this devastating earthquake in Haiti and to their families around the world. As the extent of destruction and loss of life becomes clearer, I stand with the American people, ready to assist the injured and displaced in the difficult days ahead.

In the days since, President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the international community have quickly responded with a pledge of humanitarian aid and disaster relief assistance. Rest assured, I will be working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that all necessary aid reaches the Haitian people, and that they have our full support in their time of need. For those that have been able to donate time or money to help the Haitian people, I sincerely thank you for your generosity.

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Ruth Lilly and Relief Efforts in Haiti -- December 15, 2009