As we enter 1998, it is still not too late to support the Research Foundation of the AANS. The Executive Council is hoping for our best year ever, both in terms of actual funds raised, and in the proportion of our members who become contributors. One important goal for this year’s campaign is to substantially increase our member participation. If your gift has already been sent, our thanks for your generosity. If your support is still pending, we invite you to reflect on how your gift benefits our specialty.
Gifts are used for the Foundation’s board-designated endowment. Earnings from that endowment are used to provide Research Fellowships and Young Clinician Investigator Awards. Our long-term goal is to have an endowment that can support an expanded awards program, providing for a broader range of basic, and ultimately, clinical research. In the past 14 years, over $1.8 million has been provided to 46 promising researchers. Earlier this year, four grants were made covering topics related to brain tumors and NF-1 peripheral nerve tumors, strokes and neural regeneration. Historically, the vast majority of our funded grantees have maintained academic, productive research careers, and have used our awards as the basis for broader grant applications from other external funding sources.
Our appeal for funds is not only to our members as individuals, but to both academic and private practice groups. Groups that contribute a minimum of $1,000 will be recognized for their group contribution, and individuals will also get credit in their corresponding individual level category. Recognition will be announced in our Spring issue of the Bulletin, as well as displayed on the “Donor Wall,” visible at the AANS Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, and on our Website, NEUROSURGERY://ON-CALL®.
We ask you to consider a gift that will enroll you in the Cushing Scholars Circle (see chart), with a minimum individual donation of $1,000. This year, as a unique incentive to our members, we are inviting all Cushing Scholar circle contributors to the Cushing Orator Luncheon. This program, one of the most prestigious events at the AANS Annual Meeting, will feature renowned Molecular Biologist Eric Weischaus, Ph.D., of Princeton University. Seats are limited, so hurry to qualify for this special invitation.
Gifts in memory of a deceased family member, loved one or personal colleague, as well as honorary gifts, are encouraged. Gifts of securities, such as appreciated stock, may help you to avoid certain taxes. And don’t forget, a gift by your will or trust to the Research Foundation provides for neuroscience research indefinitely.
Join with us to ensure a future of bright advances and hopeful healing. Make your generous contribution to the Research Foundation of the AANS today!
The Research Foundation of the AANS acknowledges with gratitude the generous gift from the estate of Ruth Mount, wife of past president of the AANS, Dr. Lester Mount. We appreciate very much all of the support of the Mount family, and send them our most sincere condolences on the loss of Mrs. Mount.