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<< back to the 1999 archive listing << Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation Commentary From The Executive Director Ask yourself, how can I help the IAMFES Foundation achieve its goal of $100,000
in 2000? The IAMFES Foundation held its 2nd Annual Silent Auction at the Annual Meeting in Dearborn, Michigan August 1-4. For the second year in a row, we had excellent participation from individual Members, from our Affiliated Associations, and from many companies and organizations who contributed items to the Auction. This year, the Foundation's Silent Auction raised more than $2,700 to benefit activities supported by the Foundation. In 1998, Fund Chairperson, Harry Haverland issued a goal to build the Foundation's assets up to $100,000 in the year 2000. The fund assets currently total just short of $85,000. During the past year, we received more than $2,000 in direct cash contributions from IAMFES Members and also received a $1,000 contribution from the California Affiliate. We have seen good growth in the Foundation's investments, but now it is time to plead with you to make a contribution to the Foundation Fund! Let's take a look at the wonderful programs that the Foundation supports yearly. The Foundation supports 100% of the expense related to our Audiovisual Library of training and educational videotapes. There are over 75 titles in our Library and we have more than 300 tapes available for Member use, free of charge! Are you a regular user of the Library? If so, look at the value you receive at no cost and consider a small contribution so that others may enjoy the benefit as you do. Travel funds to help support presentations at our Annual Meeting are also supported by the Foundation. This program is used where an urgent need is demonstrated and is monitored by our Program Committee and Executive Board. Also at the Annual Meeting, our Ivan Parkin Lecturer is supported by the Foundation. We have been fortunate to attract many well-known leaders in the arena of food safety and food protection. The Foundation's support of this Opening Lecture adds a nice touch to our Annual Meeting. Other programs supported by the Foundation Fund include the Developing Scientist Competition for food science students, shipment of excess journals to developing countries, and support of the Crumbine Award, which is presented annually to a local health unit demonstrating excellence in food protection. I hope that this helps you become more aware of the IAMFES Foundation and its activities. The Foundation truly helps IAMFES carry out our mission of "Providing food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protection the food supply." Again, we encourage you to make a contribution to the Foundation in whatever amount is comfortable for you or your organization. Ask yourself, how can I help the IAMFES Foundation achieve its goal of $100,000 in 2000? You may include your contribution when paying your Membership renewal or simply send a contribution to the IAMFES office clearly marked "IAMFES Foundation." You might also consider whether your company or organization is able to contribute. Each Affiliate organization could ask their Board to consider making a contribution. All contributions will be put to good use, I assure you! To conclude, we want to thank each of the individuals, Affiliate organizations and companies who contributed to the Foundation over the years and to those who contributed to this year's Foundation Fund Silent Auction. We also want to thank everyone who participated in the bidding process at this year's Auction. Thanks also to the highest bidder for each item. We hope that you enjoyed the Auction and we are looking forward to next year's Auction! |