National Philatelic Auctions For Refugee Relief NYC NY

Hi

Came across this interesting piece of history. Printed on a Ledger sized mailing which included a First Flight Cover featuring Dick Merrill as pilot:






Members of the National Committee listed suggest this was a legitimate effort to raise funds for humanitarian assistance to no specific group but as a means to establish a fund to be administered as the organization deemed appropriate. The goal was 250,000 dollars. The requested donation was $5 for an envelope valued at $7.50 in the late 1930's per this mailing.

From what I've been able to gather on SCF and online only 15,000 of these covers were issued. Not enough to reach the goal of 250,000 at the requested donation. I have to assume this organization attempted to solicit donations with other philatelic material in order to reach their goal.

Searching online for this organization I was unable to find anything. Anyone ever come across references to this group?

Hi

I was able to find additional information online in the Airpost Journal of the American Air Mail Society issue October 1940. Seems donations of philatelic material were solicited from members of this organization as a way of raising additional funds. The reference found in the Airpost Journal of October 1940 seems to be the sole footnote left by this charitable effort.


"REFUGEE RELIEF DONATION LOTS TO BE INCLUDED IN A. A.M. S. NOVEMBER AUCTION Donation lots of philatelic material will be included in the AAMS November Airpost Auction to be sold in connection with the National Philatelic Auctions for Refugee Relief organization, according to announcement of L. B. Gatchell, President of the AAMS Advisory Board. This charity, which has been endorsed by a large group of nationally prominent philatelists, is sponsoring auctions through numerous organizations. Harry Woodburn Chase, Chancellor of New York University, is the Chairman. Lots members might care to donate for this charity should be sent direct, however, to the AAMS Auction Manager, with the notation that they are to be donated for this purpose. These lots will be listed accordingly in the catalogue of the sale, and will be handled by the AAMS, without commission or charge, the gross returns going to the Refugee Relief Committee. The closing date for material of this nature will be the same as for the regular Auction, October 14th.
OCTOBER, 1940"