Let’s make our 2026 Giving Tuesday Appeal a Grand Success!

Let’s make our 2026 Giving Tuesday Appeal a Grand Success – Our Goal is $75K

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”
— Kathy Calvin, former President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation

Dear honored members, retirees, active employees, and future members,

I am Una Kelly, your grateful Treasurer at the Association of BellTel Retirees.

In October 2017, I was nominated as a director of your Association. At the time, I had no clue how “giving back” would enhance my life. Today, I thank you for trusting me as I relish the most rewarding work of my lifetime.

You inspire me every time I speak with you, hear your stories, and humbly accept your kind words. I am in awe of your generous hearts. I am privileged to serve as your Treasurer. I match your support by being a monthly recurring donor, I give generously during our Giving Tuesday appeals, and I am an active participant in all efforts that advance our mission and strengthen our responsibility to you.

Know that the Association of BellTel Retirees is as committed to you as you are to us. This is your house, and your Board of Directors will never sit idle when difficult challenges arise. Your dedicated Directors and stellar staff work feverishly on what is important to you.

In our recent survey, you voiced that your most important retirement concern is the cost of healthcare. This year we kicked off a designated Health Care Committee comprised of members just like you who understand the challenges of rising premium costs.

In addition, about 30% of the members who participated in that survey identified pension risk transfer (PRT) as another top concern. In response, as of the mailing of this letter, we have launched a full-scale Call to Action campaign that requires your participation. Please check your email and our website for updates.

We also know of your worries surrounding the lack of any sort of Cost of Living Adjustment and losing concession services as companies retire copper lines. We hear you and are not hesitant to call out the CEOs, as your Chairman, Tommy Steed, did in a recent letter to AT&T. Tommy also sent a strong letter to the FCC adamantly objecting Verizon’s petition to drop its copper POTS phone service in 18 states. We will continue the fight to maintain your earned benefits. These initiatives are very important to your financial security and know that your Association spends your donations very carefully working on them.

As your Treasurer, I am compelled to share a few details about our current financial position. Your Board of Directors has worked painstakingly to reduce expenses, achieving a remarkable $60,000 reduction through August compared with the same period in 2025. Rest assured, we accomplished this without compromising our mission or our commitment to you.

During this same timeframe, your donations increased by nearly 10%. This increase was significantly strengthened by a generous planned giving donation and several qualified charitable distribution (QCD) donations from loyal members whose generosity continue to support the work of your Association. We are deeply grateful for these extraordinary gifts and for the many contributions, large and small, that sustain our mission.

As you do, we also manage our expenses extremely well, but they are increasing as costs continue to rise. We need your support now more than ever and we depend on your donations.

As always, thank you for your generosity, your trust, and your continued support. Every contribution helps ensure that the Association of BellTel Retirees remains a strong voice and a steadfast resource for our members.

In addition to your typical generous donation, consider your Association during your current and future planned giving. This includes estate planning, your annual required minimum distribution (RMD) to a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), and adding the Association as a beneficiary. We recommend you seek advice from your financial or legal advisor on planned giving.

Giving Tuesday falls on December 1, 2026. I promise to share the final results of our $75,000 fundraising goal with you.

Until then, I, your Board of Directors, and your Staff send our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

With sincere appreciation and in solidarity,

Una Kelly
Treasurer
Association of BellTel Retirees Inc.