Chairman's Message
It is my pleasure to serve as chair of the Educational Foundation of the American Meat Science Association (AMSA). The Foundation is responsible for generating and allocating funds to support and enhance educational programs and the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in Meat Science. In addition, the Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the management of funds in a responsible and prudent manner.
It has been shown that most donors give to organizations they believe in and want to succeed. Many of you have stated that AMSA and the RMC are unique among professional organizations and that the benefits derived from each should be perpetuated for future generations. This being the case, and the fact that outside funds are becoming more difficult to obtain, it is incumbent upon each of us to initiate our own "check off" donor program to support the mission of AMSA and insure that it remains a viable and effective organization. This can be done in a number of ways. Planned gifts such as bequests, gift annuities, IRAs, insurance policies and charitable remainder trusts are all options by which you can make gifts to the Foundation.
Unrestricted gifts are the most effective gifts since they allow the Foundation to expend money for worthy programs that reflect the priorities and goals of the Association. They also permit the Foundation to respond to unanticipated needs that otherwise might not be met. Likewise, designated gifts are also much appreciated and they too can be used to promote the objectives of AMSA and its overall mission.
Our sincere thanks to all of you who have made and continue to make contributions to the Foundation on a regular basis. Your gifts are providing AMSA some important program flexibility and needed funds to support worthy endeavors. For example, at the 57th RMC, Foundation funds were used to sponsor the Undergraduate Scholastic Achievement Award as well as co-sponsor the Graduate Poster Competition program. In addition, the top two winners from the Poster Competition program will have their 2005 ICoMST (Baltimore) registration fees paid by the Foundation. Other projects and/or programs funded by the Foundation include appreciation gifts to the outgoing Student Board member and the annual sponsorship of the National 4-H Meat Judging Awards. In future years, as more funds become available it is anticipated that the Foundation will be able to continue with these and other sponsorships.
The future of AMSA is bright, but to continue its mission it must have your support. Therefore, if you have not yet made a financial contribution to the Foundation won't you consider doing so now? Your gifts will be most appreciated and together we can make a difference.
If you have questions on how to make your tax deductible gift to the AMSA Educational Foundation, please call or contact Thomas Powell, Executive Director, at the AMSA office.
Joe Harris , Chairman
Board of Trustees
