DES PLAINES, IL (March 6, 2001) -- The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) thanks the Region VIII New England Area (NEA) Chapters of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) for its donation of $1,569.

Foundation Chair Edwin Granberry says use of the funds is unrestricted and could go towards research, scholarships and professional development. NEA Director John Spath says much of the funds were raised during a silent auction held by local chapters in November as part of their local Professional Development Conference. Spath notes that the generosity of three local corporate sponsors helped make the event a success. Those firms are Marsh Risk Consulting, Aon Risk Services and AQC, Inc.

The Region VIII New England Area serves the Connecticut Valley, Greater Boston, Maine, Nutmeg and Worcester County Chapters. All chapters participated in the silent auction. Spath says the NEA is already planning this year's PDC and auction where they hope to raise even more funds. The next New England Area PDC will take place November 27-29, 2001 in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Through its programs the ASSEF is committed to ensuring the future of occupational safety and health by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development.

The ASSEF was established in 1990 to provide professional development and financial resources to qualified individuals and non-profit organizations. The Foundation seeks to advance safety and health development and research and education in the public interest.

Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the world's largest and oldest professional safety organization. Its 32,000 members located throughout the U.S. and the world, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in industry, government, education and insurance.