Rita (Burke) Whelan was a quiet woman, the mother of six children from the Bronx, who would probably be very uncomfortable
to have her name and image in such a public place. However, she would have been proud to be connected with
an endeavor that challenges us to help the children of the world, regardless of their nationality or where they live.
She was a strong woman who led a simple life, brought her children up with a belief in God, and cared more that
her children were good, responsible people than wealthy and successful. She was a caretaker who, when her children
were grown, continued to take care of others in her family.
Rita Burke was an example to many of us. She showed us the importance of love and caring and taught us that everyone
deserved to be treated with respect. For these reasons, we were pleased to name this organization after her.
