Giving For a Firm Foundation

A Report by Joanne Yount, Executive Director

Reprinted from The VP Foundation Newsletter, October 2006

The VP Foundation presented its annual Giving program in the April issue of The VP Foundation Newsletter (Number 26). About the time the staff and I became certain that the US Postal Service liked our Newsletter so much they would never part with it - VPF members started receiving it in mid to late May.

The first contribution was received on May 18 from Grace Brody, Co-Leader of the VPF’s Sarasota (Florida) Support Group. During late spring, all through summer, and into early fall, contributions from 168 more members arrived in the VPF’s mail. The most recent contribution arrived on October 2, near “press” time..

VPF members made a grand total of $31,291.23 in contributions and pledges - $17,491.23 in single contributions, and $13,800.00 in pledges. At press time, $1,910 in pledges had been paid, and $11,890.00 in pledges remained to be paid. Eight members pledged monthly or quarterly installments, or a one-time payment in the future.

Foundation members had a choice of designating their contributions to the General Operating Fund, the Oxalate Testing Fund for Foods and Beverages, the Pain Project Fund (research by Clive C. Solomons, Ph.D.), and/or the Urinary Testing Fund (research by Michael Liebman, Ph.D., University of Wyoming). See the chart below for totals.

Many contributors did not designate any fund for their contributions, and wrote notes such as these: “You decide where it can do the greatest good at this time,” “Please use my donation as needed in any or all of these areas,” and “Please direct this [contribution] where it is needed most.”

All contributions accompanied by notes like these were deposited in the General Operating Fund. In this way, every project can ultimately be funded and completed - and the VPF can survive (rent, utilities, postage, printing)!

Contributions and pledges ranged in size from $10 to $10,000. They included many checks in the $15 to $100 range. In addition, numerous members made contributions of $250, $500, and $1,000.

Very touching to me were some of the notes that accompanied payment. “This is not very much, but I hope it helps” (with a contribution of $50). “It’s not much . . . wish I had a million bucks!” (with another $50). “I am sorry I cannot provide more at this time” (with yet another $50), and “Wish I could give more - hope this helps in some small way” ($30). These contributions were indeed substantial, in my opinion.

Notes with other contributions specifically mentioned that they were being given to honor Dr. and Mrs. Solomons. Several members brought me up to date on how they were doing personally. A grateful retired member in Deltona, Florida, wrote, “I’m doing well at this present time, and plan on staying that way!”


Over 40 contributors were eligible for thank-you gifts (for contributions of $100 or more). However, only about a dozen contributors requested them. A few people wrote notes such as “Save your money on me - :)” and “No, thank you.” The staff and I understood that these members wanted to conserve the VPF’s resources, and our time. Still, we had fun sending those dozen gifts!

Whether you give an extra amount to the Foundation with your yearly membership fee; at year’s end for a tax deduction, during the Christmas holidays, or through United Way - no matter how you give, when you give, or how much you give - on behalf of the Foundation, I thank you.