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The article on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, "Visionary Volunteers" (Dec. 16, 2003), was a timely and focused addition to the Association's Year of the Volunteer. Actually, volunteerism in the ASHFoundation extends beyond the usual concepts of volunteers, since ASHFoundation volunteers often have been tapped because they have already distinguished themselves as volunteers in other Association activities as officers, or on boards and committees. Still others are volunteers from outside the field, especially officers and executives from corporations associated with the field. The article highlighting visionary volunteers succeeded in giving well-earned recognition to those whose early visions spurred the growth of the ASHFoundation into a force to be reckoned with in current and future Association endeavors.
One further point-no amount of volunteerism, no matter how visionary, can have significant results without a committed staff to pull it all together into cohesive forces. The comprehensive and sensitive labors of Nancy Minghetti and her staff in compiling this chronicle of the ASHFoundation's visionary volunteers have given definition to the legacy on which to build the ASHFoundation's future. Clearly, accomplishments to date bode well for the part the ASHFoundation can play in the advancement of the Association. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of Nancy Minghetti's leadership over the years in giving inspiration and direction to the dreams, energies, and visions of ASHFoundation volunteers.
Frank R. Kleffner
Wichita, KS
Kleffnercf@AOL.com
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