United Way Concept Has Deep Roots

To the Editor:

Duncan Laidlaw’s letter in the December 17 issue of The Chronicle (“Aramony’s Pension Is an Undeserved Benefit”) was a very caring reminder to all of us that the roots of the United Way system are very strong and deep.

When the U.S. District Court ruled that William Aramony, convicted felon and former United Way of America president, was owed over $2-million for his retirement pension, my first thought was, “To the average person, this will make no sense.”

We were all as stunned as Mr. Laidlaw by the court’s decision. I continue to believe that the damage Mr. Aramony did to United Way clearly outweighed any gains he may have contributed to the movement during his 22 years of service. And while I was amazed that he would sue for pension benefits, it no longer surprises me to hear reports of his assertion that he was responsible for the success of the United Way concept.

United Way of America has emerged from the dark clouds created by Mr. Aramony’s despicable actions to be a leader in integrity and accountability. Since 1992, we have adopted sweeping reforms that include strict internal financial controls and an expanded governance structure.

United Way of America has worked hard to recover from the misdeeds of Mr. Aramony. We have also continued to reorganize to improve our delivery of service to community United Ways and other key constituents.

When executives of 12 fund-raising federations met in 1918 and formed the American Association of Community Organizations, they had the same goal in mind for the United Way movement as we do today — building a stronger, healthier, more compassionate America, community by community.

It is this kind of forethought that has allowed us to weather the storm created by Mr. Aramony’s actions, departure, and subsequent conviction.

Betty Beene
President and Chief Executive Officer
United Way of America
Alexandria, Va.