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A Legacy of Caring: EAF Founder Retires After 18 Years of Saving Lives, Homes and Peace of Mind
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10/7/2008 5:06 p.m.
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When Captain Al Brunelle stepped down as chairman of the Employee Assistance Fund last week, he left behind a legacy of caring that will live on in the hearts of Alaska Airlines employees and their families for years to come.
Founded by Brunelle and a group of like-minded employees in 1992, the EAF is an independent, nonprofit charitable organization run by employees. Over the years, it has helped put food on the table, pay medical bills and more for nearly 1,650 employees suffering financial hardship due to a medical condition or other catastrophic event.
"When a colleague's son died of leukemia because potential marrow donors were discouraged from being tested by the high screening fee, I vowed that would never happen to another Alaska employee," Brunelle said.
About 40 percent of Alaska Airlines employees make regular contributions to the fund through payroll deduction. Employees raise more money by promoting the Alaska Airlines Visa card and other fundraising initiatives, including the annual EAF online auction. Overall, the EAF has raised more than $3.5 million during its 16 years of existence.
"The EAF is a wonderful program run exclusively by our employees and for the sole benefit of our employees," CEO Bill Ayer said during a retirement reception for Brunelle in Seattle. "Al Brunelle has been a great leader. We owe him our profound thanks for caring and doing so much for the Alaska family. And our gratitude extends to the thousands of Alaska employees who also care and give so freely to their co-workers."
Brunelle, a veteran pilot who lives in Plano, Texas, is stepping down from the EAF board to spend more time with his family.
"I'm confident that our dedicated board of directors and caring employee volunteers across the company will carry on the good work of the EAF," he said.
Brunelle joined Alaska Airlines in 1983 as a 727 flight engineer after stints with Braniff and UPS and service in the U.S. Air Force. He was named a Customer Service Legend in 2003.
Although Brunelle has retired from EAF board of directors, he'll keep flying as an Alaska Airlines pilot.
Last week, the EAF board of directors honored Brunelle's "vision, commitment and dedication by unanimously voting to honor him with the title chairman emeritus," said EAF board member Jeanne Hightower, supervisor of pricing and audits.
A flight attendant, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke for many Alaska Airlines employees when she said: "I've never met Al Brunelle. But, through his efforts, he has saved my home, kept me from bankruptcy and given me the peace of mind to battle cancer."
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