UNITED AID FOUNDATION
How We Began
The formation of United Aid Foundation (UAF) is an inspiring demonstration of what people from diverse backgrounds, professions and geographical locations can do when they come together and unite for the good of others in need.
When a powerful tsunami decimated Sri Lanka and Indonesia in 2005, Brother and sister, John and Elizabeth Alex traveled together to some of the hardest hit areas.
Elizabeth went as a journalist with the NBC affiliate in Kansas City, Missouri, John, as investment advisor from New York City, who happened to have friends who immigrated to the United States from Sri Lanka.
They traveled with the international aid organization Heart to Heart International, witnessing first hand the destruction, homelessness, and desperation of innocent people who had lost everything they had, including husbands, wives, and in some cases all of their children.
The experience left both Alex’s wanting to do more, not only for the suffering Sri Lankans, but others who might need help as well.
After returning to New York, John turned to Sandra Nuñez, an attorney from New York City and native of Sri Lanka, to form a new not-for-profit agency and transform the vision of UAF into a reality.
UAF quickly set up fundraising events, and used proceeds to help rebuild three villages (over 2,000 people) in the ravaged Tamil area of Sri Lanka, where no international aid had arrived. Sandra’s many connections back home cleared the way.
When Hurricane Katrina barreled into the southeast coast of the United States, UAF rallied again, delivering medical supplies and water to doctors in the area. Because of UAF’s vast relationships through out the country, we were able to get the trucks through the back routes of cities and towns before other agencies.
Over the years UAF has expanded its reach and expertise to help people in desperate need following disasters in Haiti, Nepal, Louisiana, Houston, Puerto Rico, Alabama and the Bahamas. This all-volunteer organization has built schools, homes, and supported education projects to help kids and families find their own path out of poverty.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work to see recipients of UAF aid join us in volunteering for people who now find themselves in crisis.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Officers
John L. Alex
President and Co-Founder
Steven Goldglit
CPA – Treasurer
Domingo Nunez, M.D.
Medical Director
Mary Jane Alex
Secretary
Ryan Alex
Supply and Logistics Coordinator
Board of Directors
Jon Schmitz
UAF Chairperson
Sandra Nunez, Esq.
UAF Chairperson Emeritus and Co-Founder
Christopher Belle
Executive Director, Quality Operations LifeCell Corporation
Elizabeth Alex
Public Affairs Director, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Stephen Braun
Co-President/Chief Operating Officer,
Hometown America
Abigail Hayo
Founder, One Global Village
Paul Tomasi
President, E-Risk Services
Mike Wnek
Sr. Vice President, Jacobsen Homes , Founder,
Hope For Haiti Healing
Cenovio Villa
Owner, Project Villa LLC
Shri Lamichhane
OUR PARTNERS
We thank all of our partners for their tireless work and effort
Working around the globe, we rely on strong partnerships and organizational alliances to ensure that we provide the best support possible.