THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 3, 1994 TAG: 9412030003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A11 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Dick Palmer (letter, Nov. 30) is simply wrong in his assertion that religious broadcaster Pat Robertson's financial focus this political season was aimed at the U.S. Senate race instead of meeting humanitarian needs.
That assertion does not match the facts. The truth is that Pat Robertson spearheaded a nationwide convoy of tractor-trailer trucks to deliver food to the hungry in 18 cities across America this summer and fall through Operation Blessing, a humanitarian organization affiliated with The Christian Broadcasting Network.
Operation Blessing delivered more than 4 million pounds of food coast to coast, providing enough food for more than 2.6 million meals. The convoy brought 280,000 pounds of food to Hampton Roads on Aug. 18 - enough for 187,000 meals.
At the same time, Operation Blessing launched a series of medical missions to Zaire and Romania and unveiled plans to convert an L-1011 aircraft into a ``flying hospital'' which will visit areas of the world where medical care is non-existent.
In addition, on Dec. 13 Operation Blessing will hold its annual Christmas party at Norfolk Scope and will provide a holiday meal and entertainment for some 3,500 people.
Pat Robertson, who founded Operation Blessing 16 years ago, remains committed to helping those who are in need.
GENE KAPP
Vice president
Public relations
The Christian Broadcasting
Network Inc.
Virginia Beach, Nov. 30, 1994 by CNB