Words of Praise for Accused Foundation

To the Editor:

In response to your November 5 article “Ralph Nader’s Quiet Crusade,” I would like to express my astonishment and great concern for the Chaho family.

In 1997, as principal of Saint Paul Catholic High School, in Bristol, Conn., I approached Mrs. Doris Chaho with a committee and solicited a $125,000 grant for the renovation of a science laboratory in our school. Mrs. Chaho questioned our committee in detail, scrutinized our proposal, and requested our completion of a formal application. She asked to observe the science-laboratory site and spent a considerable amount of time at the location. She returned to the school for the completion and dedication of the renovated science center.

Throughout the process that is described above, Mrs. Chaho was very cordial, efficient, and professional, and brought about a substantial donation from the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation to our school. The grant was awarded to the Saint Paul teachers and students who were personally unknown to the Chaho family.

Thus, I was stunned by the action of Mr. Nader toward a professional that evidenced to our school great objectivity, efficiency, and concern for those in need.

Sister Joan A. O’Connor
Associate Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Norwich
Norwich, Conn.