The CFIDS Association has set a new course and is determined to transform the way that research is done. We’ve established The Catalyst Fund to fuel the next phase of our research program and have spent the last few months recruiting the support of Catalysts who recognize the need for a new approach and innovative leadership.
Through a series of small group events in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Boulder and Washington, D.C., we’ve had the opportunity to share our plans and hear feedback. These events, and phone conversations with supporters in other parts of the country, have been catalysts for deepened understanding of the Association and its goals, and for increased financial commitment from many of our most generous benefactors. We have stretched and they have stretched.
One of our long-time supporters, a gentleman who supports the Association on behalf of a family member with CFS, is inspired by this stage of the Association’s growth and wants to challenge others to stretch, too. He has issued a “Year-End Stretch Challenge.” He will match every dollar an individual or family donates above the level at which they contributed to the Association in 2010. First-time gifts will be matched as well. Gifts received between December 9, 2011 and January 9, 2012 will be eligible, up to a total of $100,000 $161,000* in matching funds pledged by this generous man, who prefers to remain anonymous. Gifts of $100 or more will also be eligible for Laura Hillenbrand’s “20/20 Bonus” offer; see our announcement here: http://www.research1st.com/2011/12/21/2020-bonus/.
* This Challenge has been expanded to a total of $161,000 through the additional pledges made by a long-time donor and her mother. These donors also wish to remain anonymous. (Please see updated post here: http://www.research1st.com/2011/12/29/match-expanded/)
Will you stretch to help us secure this generous pledge?
Can you help us secure the Year-End Stretch Challenge pledge and accelerate the progress toward our $2 million goal by making a gift today? With the gathering momentum building in research, the timing has never been more critical.
Thank you for your support and best wishes for the holiday season and 2012.
MAKING A DONATION
Gifts of every size are needed to reach the ambitious $2 million goal. The CFIDS Association of America is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You can make a secure online donation at http://bit.ly/2011fund or call 704-365-2343. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned on the next business day. If you prefer to mail a donation, please send it to PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC, 28222-0398. Our office will be closed on Dec. 23, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 in observance of the holidays, but we will make every effort to process donations in the tax year in which they are made.
We recognize that the toll CFS exacts is more than physical, that most people experience some, and sometimes severe, financial consequences, too. We know that sometimes our requests for financial support reach people who are barely able to cover the basics, or must rely on the generosity of others to meet essential expenses. If you are in those circumstances, please do not allow our request for support to add to your already heavy burden. We work on your behalf.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
In honor of my daughter Megan who has been diagnosed for 7 years, now 21, struggling every day to go to college at Drew with the goal of being a college professor in the classics.