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<< back to the 2002 archive listing << Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation Postcards from Iowa, March 2002 The Foundation Fund is your fund, and by supporting it you are supporting
IAFP Hello! Well, spring is in sight, although we have had a relatively mild winter this year, at least in our part of the country. As spring approaches, many of us start thinking about gardening and working outside in the yard. While those things can be chores for some, it is in many cases a welcome relief to those who have been indoors most of the winter. This month, I would like to talk a little bit about IAFP’s Foundation Fund. Many of you are aware of this fund, through Harry Haverland’s gentle reminders. The silent auction has become one of the favorite non-technical events at the Annual Meeting, and the good things that are supported by the Foundation are almost too numerous to mention. The Ivan Parkin Lecture is supported by the Foundation Fund, as well as the Audiovisual Library and several other activities. Did you ever wonder what the organization would be like without those activities? Well, we would still have an opening event at the Annual Meeting, but certainly nothing like what we have now. And while it is true that not every member uses the Audiovisual Library, those that do tend to be “repeat customers”. In a very narrow sense, IAFP could get by without the Foundation Fund. We would still be in business, and we would still publish our journals. But think of what we would miss. It would be like the difference between a black and white and a color photograph. We would have the form and the substance, but none of the richness of the hue and color. The Foundation Fund adds a dimension to the Association that would be greatly missed if it weren’t there. By now, you are waiting for the sales pitch to come about donating to the Foundation Fund. And yes, it is coming. I am asking for your continued support of the Foundation Fund. Over the next few months, we will be announcing several new initiatives to strengthen the Fund. But I want you to know that the Foundation Fund is your fund, and by supporting it you are supporting IAFP. We would like to grow the Foundation to a point that it could support scholarships for students, and perhaps even scholarships for continuing education of our regular members. These scholarships will be the basis for helping to educate our next generation of food safety professionals, and also help our existing members continue to grow in their professional development. The Fund could also provide additional support for speakers, not only for the Annual Meeting, but for Affiliate meetings as well. The Foundation Fund really will provide the support that this organization needs to continue to grow and provide services for its current and future members. I would like to challenge you to think about something that you could donate to the Silent Auction at IAFP 2002, either as an individual or as a group. Think of something that would represent your company or the state (or area) that you live in. These items don’t have to be major donations; some of you will remember a few years ago when some of the most competitive bidding at the Silent Auction was for some Bruce Springsteen CDs. Remember, supporting the Foundation is an investment in the future of IAFP and in the future of food safety professionals everywhere. I would like to leave you with a. The Foundation plays a major role in enhancing IAFP. We all should be willing to support it in some way, simply because it gives back to all of us far more than we as individuals give to it. Much like the brown spot in my yard that will be this spring’s garden, with a little care and attention from all of us the Foundation Fund will provide for IAFP Members of the future. Same time, next month. |