MEMORANDUM

TO: NCDA Members
FROM: John A. Sasso
RE: Tribute Book
DATE: November 30, 1999

Over the past the several months you have received notes regarding a tribute book for me. I am honored and humbled that the staff and the membership respect my work and contribution to the field of community development enough to purchase space in this book. Raising funds in this manner, for a tribute book or a foundation attached to my name makes me very uncomfortable. The essence of my work of the past 30 years has centered on improving the lives of people, though neighborhoods redevelopment working with local governments. It was never not about me, personally.

I feel it is inappropriate for city funds to be used in this manner, therefore, NCDA will not accept local contributions for a tribute book for me to raise funds to create a foundation. However, the staff has convinced me that we can still complete the book without local contributions. Since we have also commitments from corporate entities, we will use these to cover the costs of the book. If your city has already forwarded payment to the NCDA, those funds will be reimbursed. If you are still interested in submitting a tribute, please contact the staff and your ad will be included in the book.

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