*~*AACRONYMS*~*
*~*^Just For Today!^*~*
An aide "quickly took the glowing report to his friend, Mr. Rockefeller, who we thought would surely be interested. Here was medicine, here was religion, and here was a great good work, all in one package. Mr. Rockefeller listened intently. He was tremendously impressed and said so. He has repeatedly stated that his connection with Alcoholics Anonymous is numbered among the finest and most moving experiences of his life.
"Nevertheless, Mr. Rockefeller flatly turned down this plea for a large sum [$50,000], despite the fact that the project appealed to his every charitable inclination. After a rereading of [the aide's] report, he said 'I am afraid that money will spoil this thing.' When he gave his reasons, they were identical with those advanced by the Akron group's minority [at an earlier meeting]. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., was guided then and there to save the A.A. fellowship from itself and from unnecessary hazards of money, property, and professionalism. It was one of the turning points in A.A.'s history.
"[The aide then] described
the desperate financial plight of Dr. Bob and myself. On hearing of this, Mr.
Rockefeller said, 'I will place $5,000 for their use in the treasury of the
Riverside Church [NYC, NY]. You may draw on this as you like. This will give
these men some temporary assistance. But this fellowship should soon become
self-supporting.'" An account by Bill W. of events which took place in
December, 1937
2001 AAWS, Inc.
Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pgs.
150-51
*^Daily Reflections^*
GIVING UP INSANITY