Founder Nelsie Parrado leads FilAm disaster response group once again
Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. – living up to its name, the readiness to help the needy
New York - A trusted local organization on the East Coast, the Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI), has just turned 15 years old this year. Since its founding, the registered public entity charity organization in New Jersey has lived up to its name – ready to help when it is much needed.
HTFI is in the forefront of mobilizing resources to help victims of natural and human-made disasters worldwide, but especially in the Philippines.
HTFI is currently led by Nelsie Parrado who is known for her active and transparent leadership. She was the founding president of HTFI in 2010 and now serves as president on its 15th year.
HTFI founding president Nelsie Parrado circles back as current president.
At its anniversary gala at The View on Lincoln Park in Jersey City, diplomats and city officials expressed their accolades on the impact of the organization.
These dignitaries included Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile, Ambassador Cecile Rebong, Ambassador Mario De Leon, Jersey City Councilman James Solomon, Bergenfield Councilman Buddy Deauna, Former Council President of Jersey City Mr. Rolando Lavarro, and Former NJ Gov. James Mc Greevey.
Philippine Ambassador Mario de Leon, Jr., Nelsie Parrado, and journalist Ryan Tejero at the HTFI 15th anniversary gala.
HTFI has been successfully raising ready funds to date, which enabled it to send disaster relief, monetary and in kind, in the most expeditious manner.
HTFI’s transparency has built its integrity. When a disaster, such as flooding, is reported in Filipino media, the HTFI President convenes the Board of Trustees, in an emergency meeting to discuss where and how much money to send. The organization verifies the identity of the recipient organization in the Philippines; it sends the money via bank-to-bank transfer, and requests proof of receipt and how money was spent by the beneficiary.
In 2010, HTFI donated $500 to the flood victims in Pakistan and money was directly given to the Consulate General of Pakistan. To the tsunami victims in Japan, $1,000 was sent to Caritas Japan. For Typhoon Sendong, HTFI sent a total of $17,000 to Iligan City typhoon victims for the rebuilding efforts of Cagayan de Oro.
To raise funds, HTFI organizes cultural and walkathon events. The “Lakad Tulong” which was launched in 2009 has become the signature event of HTFI, which later evolved into a 5K Run-Walk. HTFI events receive support from corporations, media, and leaders in the community.
In her keynote speech at the anniversary gala, HTFI President Nelsie Parrado said HTFI will remain true to its purpose and look to the future positively.
“We will continue to partner with organizations which are in the business of helping those in need. We will expand our fund-raising activities to encourage our donors and future donors to donate. All the successes we have attained are made possible, through the generosity of our donors, our volunteers, our families, and friends. We aim to keep the trusts entrusted in us. As we celebrate this milestone, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you and invite you to continue supporting HTFI, and what we stand for. Together we can bring hope, rebuild lives, and make a lasting difference to the lives of our kababayans. God bless us all!”
Other than HTFI, Nelsie led the University of the Philippines alumni association in America from 2016-2019. She has been involved in Sunrise Fair Lawn Rotary, Parade of Philippine American Friendship Committee, and St. Anne’s Parish Council. She also chaired the FILVOTE Bergen NaFFAA.
As a multi-awarded leader, Nelsie has received awards and recognition:100 Most Influential Women in the USA (2009), Founders and Pioneers by Filipina Women’s Network, CA, and Fascinating and Outstanding Mother by the Filipino Heritage Foundation, among others.
Nelsie is a financial services professional at the New York Life Insurance Company since 1985. She has been married to Steve Parrado for 53 years, with three children - Sandra, a graduate of the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania: Sherry-Ann, a Rutgers University, Stephen II, also a Rutgers University graduate. The family has lived in Fair Lawn, NJ since migrating from the Philippines in 1984. (A press release by Handang Tumulong Foundation.)
