AAO Foundation Report
Dr. Terry L. Duncan
The year 2004 has been one of continued growth for the AAO Foundation. In fact, in terms of dollars pledged, $3.3 million, 2004 is the best year ever in terms of support and commitment to the Foundation. While we can all feel good about the $26.3 million pledged to this date, the fact still remains that only one-third of AAO members participate in giving to the Foundation. There remain 2 milestones to reach (and surpass) by year end 2005-500 Regents and 50 Fellows. The momentum of the Foundation's campaign is strong and I know the AAO membership will accept the challenge.
The Foundation is so grateful for the support of its Corporate Partners. Five companies; Align Technology, American Orthodontics, GAC International, Ormco Corporation and 3M Unitek have this year increased their support of the Foundation to the $500,000 Platinum Corporate Partner Level. A number of other Corporate Partners have also continued to increase their level of giving as well. The Foundation thanks all of those in the corporate world who value the need to endorse orthodontic education and do so through their commitment to the Foundation.
It has been 5 years since the Foundation chose to recognize the success of the A CASE FOR THE FUTURE campaign. At the 2004 Annual Session in Chicago, a wonderful celebratory gala was held at the Field Museum. San Francisco, 2005, is an outstanding venue to once again celebrate the continued growth of the AAOF. The Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square is the site for "An Evening With the Phantom" on Saturday night May 21, 2005. The Gala promises to be a smashing affair. The above mentioned Platinum Corporate Partners are also welcome sponsors of the event. At the present time, the evening is already half subscribed so be sure to secure your place when registering for the Annual Session. Once again there will be an on-site Silent Auction but this years Auction will have a unique feature. On-line bidding will be available for all items prior to the actual event. Watch for how you can become involved in the bidding and to view the Auction items on-line through the AAO and AAOF Websites.
The Foundation is very appreciative of its Planning and Review Committee (PARC). PARC will meet immediately following the Early Treatment Conference in Las Vegas, Jan. 23 & 24, 2005. PARC will be evaluating the award proposals for the 3 Award Categories approved by the AAOF Board of Directors for 2005: Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Awards, Biomedical Research Awards and Center Awards. Since 1994 the AAOF has designated $4.6 million in awards to benefit orthodontic education and research. The sum of $360,000 has been awarded for 2005.
As the AAOF continues to be a positive force in the promotion and development of orthodontic education, we are thankful for all the volunteers who continue to give time and energy to ensure that the Foundation remains strong. The Foundation is most fortunate to have such a capable and formidable Executive Staff in Robert Hazel and Madeline Warren. There remain many opportunities for all us who value the purpose of the Foundation by pledging A CASE FOR THE FUTURE, pledging at the Regent or Fellow level, and/or becoming a part of the Keystone Society through planned giving.
In reviewing figures of Nov. 30, 2004, it is an extreme pleasure to share with you that once again the SWSO continues to be the most supportive Constituent of the Foundation! All of the SWSO Components are at goal for A CASE FOR THE FUTURE (ACFTF) and SWSO members have pledged $3.7 million of which $2.3 has been redeemed. The SWSO also leads all Constituencies with 47% of its members pledging ACFTF. If you are not part of this 47% and wish to be, it would be my pleasure to get you there!!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the SWSO Director to the AAOF.