2009 was a watermark year for your American Health Association. Where a lot of charities are closing and you can look at
"Big Brother/Big Sister" as an example, American Health is ending up with no debts and no money, making it truly a charity-case. Am I pleased? Why, of course, for American Health is based purely and solely on "the art of giving" no more and no less. People giving is what we're all about.
We don't have salaries and for ten consecutive years, not one penny has been paid out in salaries to anyone, top on down. We are truly, one of America's purist charities with only volunteers and I'm still pleased to say that, however, there is a caveat.
For the first time, because of growth of the charity, I see the need for going after grants to hire permanent staff. I'm sort of reluctant to grow, but going forward, its the only way to make a lasting footprint in the health and welfare of this charity and this country. We're been pioneering "community wellness" and "Prevention as a Cure" for years now. We began the process and we're moving soon into position to crusade leadership worldwide in this effort.
Ok, enough pandering. Senior Achievement is taking on its own identification having its 10th Annual Luncheon and the American Senior Achievement Awards. We expanded it to include other Counties for the first time and found wonderful charities North and South of Palm Beach County.
The Santa Cause Campaign with our "Elves Gone Wild" again is giving award thousands of presents to include more hospitals, more nursing homes than ever before. Florence Fuller Child Daycare is online this year for disadvantaged children as is our newest partnership in the Bronx, New York.
Orphans of War has expanded for the sixth year to include Victims of War and we're shipping more and more to Afghanistan and our troops for which we've received more Medals than any other charity in the United States. We now have 7.
Of course my trip to Baghdad as the guest of the Iraqi Government must be regarded as the highlight of my own experience. Its not everyday you're invited into a "war-zone." An outcome of the trip is the associates we've made beyond the military to operate independently through private Iraqi charities directly. This is a good thing since the American military soon should be downsizing to a minimum in 2010. Look for the opening of our first office with volunteer staff in Baghdad soon.
Our American Health News & Wellness Report Newsletter has taken on its own identity with our own Web-czarist and she's doing a fabulous job. I would hope you would soon comment on the Newsletter and make suggestions in 2010 what you would like to see in the Newsletter. Thousands of people get it and we would like to make it "reader-friendly."
Our American Volunteer Corps through its Citizen's in Action is spirited and moving ahead collecting clothes, backpacks and children's books, toothbrushes/paste etc and taking on new faces and new projects.
Our support groups are in they're 10th year as is our American Lecture Society and Classes.
Our Veteran's Campaigns, including our "Support Our Soldiers" and the "Salute To Our Veterans" Luncheon was sold out recognizing the Veteran of the Year and the Military Volunteer of the Year for 2009.
And this is just the beginning. 2009 was a great year for the charity with 2010 looking to become the best year ever. Watch for 2010 to be a banner year with explosive news that will make national news and you're invited as a member and friend of American Health to see and help make it possible. After all, you are American Health and we're here for your health.
Your comments are welcome.
J Robert Gordon
President
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