Dec. 21, 2011
$100,000 Year-End Stretch Challenge
The CFIDS Association has set a new course and is determined to transform t=
he way that research is done. We've established The Catalyst Fund (http://w=
ww.cfids.org/about/thecatalystfund.asp) to fuel the next phase of our resea=
rch program and have spent the last few months recruiting the support of Ca=
talysts (http://www.cfids.org/about/thecatalystfund.asp) 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 i=
n other parts of the country, have been catalysts for deepened understandin=
g 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 o=
n behalf of a family member with CFS, is inspired by this stage of the Asso=
ciation's growth and wants to challenge others to stretch, too. He has issu=
ed a "Year-End Stretch Challenge." He will match every dollar an individual=
or family donates above the level at which they contributed to the Associa=
tion in 2010. First-time gifts will be matched as well. Gifts received (htt=
p://bit.ly/2011fund) between December 9, 2011 and January 9, 2012 will be e=
ligible, up to a total of $100,000 in matching funds pledged by this genero=
us 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=
below for details.
Will you stretch to help us secure (http://bit.ly/2011fund) this generous p=
ledge?
We are working hard to reach the larger campaign goal of $2 million, the fu=
nding we need to immediately act on the plans described in the article titl=
ed, "Looking to the Future," available on our Research1st website at http:/=
/bit.ly/CAAfuture. At the heart of our plans is another round of high-impac=
t grants. We are finishing the review for scientific and strategic merit of=
the 26 proposals received in response to our April 6, 2011, Request for Ap=
plications. The number of meritorious grants we will be able to fund will b=
e based on the amount of funds available. Right now, we stand at $706,039, =
slightly more than one-third of the way there. It's an ambitious goal, but =
with your help, we are confident that it's within reach.
Can you stretch to help us secure (http://bit.ly/2011fund) the Year-End Str=
etch Challenge pledge and accelerate the progress toward our $2 million goa=
l? With the gathering momentum building in research, the timing has never b=
een more critical.
Thank you for your support and best wishes for the holiday season and 2012.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20/20 BONUS OFFER!
Laura Hillenbrand, celebrated author of Seabiscuit and Unbroken, has been a=
long-time supporter of the CFIDS Association. Her 2003 essay published in =
The New Yorker, "A Sudden Illness," stands as one of the most widely read a=
nd compelling personal accounts of what it's like to live with CFS. To enco=
urage your support, Laura has graciously provided us with 20 signed copies =
of Unbroken, a rare collector's item in light of her very limited ability t=
o make public appearances. For every $100* you donate (http://bit.ly/2011fu=
nd) between now and Jan. 9, your name will be entered into a drawing for on=
e of these 20 copies. Please share this opportunity with family and friends=
and other fans of Laura's award-winning writing. Thank you, Laura, and goo=
d luck to all our generous supporters!
*A minimum donation of $100 is required to be entered into the drawing for =
20 signed copies of Unbroken. Donations (http://bit.ly/2011fund) of $100-$1=
99 generate one entry into the drawing. Donations (http://bit.ly/2011fund) =
of $200-299 generate two entries, etc., with no limit. We will draw winners=
on Jan. 10, 2012, with a maximum of one copy per individual donor. Winners=
will be notified by phone or email to obtain permission to name them in th=
e announcement of drawing results and to verify the desired shipping addres=
s for their copy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HOW TO MAKE YOUR 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 organizat=
ion 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 704-36=
5-2343. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message an=
d your call will be returned on the next business day. If you prefer to mai=
l a donation, please send it to PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC, 28222-0398. O=
ur office will be closed on Dec. 23, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 in observance of th=
e holidays, but we will make every effort to process donations in the tax y=
ear in which they are made.
We recognize that the toll CFS exacts is more than physical, that most peop=
le experience some, and sometimes severe, financial consequences, too. We k=
now 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 t=
o 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.
*******************************
The CFIDS Association of America
working to make CFS widely understood, diagnosable, curable and preventable
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