It's difficult for me to remember when the seed that became MSQLP germinated - sometime in the late 1990s.
But thanks to some key players it did - Dr. Lotte Marcus (& husband Alan) & Dr. Gerald Lehrer (Jerry) and others (Cyndi Nelson, Ron Grubman, me) - and along the way some major contributors like Donna Krasnow and of course Andrea Dowdall to name a few who have made incredible contributions. All of these folks with dedication and a singular goal, to help those with MS & now PD have access to information and programs that empower them and improve quality of life.
And of course our current Director Grant Helm who through his personality, enthusiasm, drive, and training continues our dream of serving our community.
I am amazed to see how we have grown and continue to grow. Grant is supported by our very involved Board of Directors and some wonderful folks like Osiris Salgado, MSQLP's Case Manager and our CSUMB interns Claudia Flores, Melissa Bowling, and Rachel Bedford.
Special thanks to all of the folks above!
MSQLP has three main functions:
1. To assist and guide our clients through case management and support services.
2. To grow and empower a community of individuals and families facing similar challenges.
3. Raise enough money to enable us to continue doing #1 & #2.
Simple right! - Well not quite so easy. Funding MSQLP is accomplished with a few different methods. We operate two main annual fundraisers - Walk & Roll and It's in the Bag. The second way is through community grants that we work and apply for. Our total money raised to support our programs and services is split between these two types of funding methods. It's important to note that about 40% of our annual income comes from donors like you.
And right now through the end of December, we are participating in a Charity Match program where the Monterey Peninsula Foundation
adds 20% to every dollar donated!
If we raise $1,000 by December 31st, then we qualify for a potential $50,000 prize awarded to the winning non-profit agency. Wow! All donations to MSQLP will reinforce our programs and services offered in 2015. And with Giving Tuesday (December 2nd) right around the corner, now is the most important time of the year to donate. If you would like to support us before the end of the year you can click here to donate, or scroll further down this newsletter to review the Charity Match program details.
Christmas and Holiday Greetings to everyone! May 2015 be another great year for MSQLP and for our community!
Sincerely,
Gene