ACP Education Foundation kicks off fund-raising campaign

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At the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) Annual Session in November 2000, Dr Thomas McGarry, then incoming President of the College, challenged the ACP Education Foundation (ACPEF) Board of Directors to demonstrate their commitment and leadership by each contributing $5000 to the Foundation. The goal was to create an endowment that would provide support for prosthodontic education. By the end of December 2000, almost $200,000 had been collected through this unofficial fund-raising effort, an unprecedented amount of support for the ACPEF. In early 2001, the ACEF Board of Directors held a strategic planning retreat that culminated in the establishment of the following goals to enhance prosthodontics: (1) increase the amount of educational support for students in prosthodontics; (2) increase funding to support the teaching of prosthodontics; and (3) enhance public awareness of prosthodontics and prosthodontic services.

Subsequently, the ACPEF Board of Directors hired a fund-raising consulting firm, Community Counseling Services Company, to help design and implement a major fund-raising effort on behalf of the above-stated goals. Interviews with prosthodontists and industry leaders were conducted across the country to determine the viability of the fund-raising effort and create an achievable target. An initial goal of $2 million was established, and the official launch of the New Vision Campaign was scheduled for October 2001 at the annual meeting in New Orleans.

Like many funding campaigns, the search for funds was not delayed until the official launch. In addition to individual member pledges, 2 unique donations were made during the year. The Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics and the Northeastern Gnathological Society pledged $100,000 and $50,000, respectively. These unparalleled gifts represented the first time another dental organization had provided significant financial support to the American College of Prosthodontists. Recognizing the value of global implementation of their educational goals, these 2 organizations made a solid commitment to unifying the specialty of prosthodontics.

During the summer of 2001, the New Vision Campaign received 2 highly significant gifts. Ivoclar Vivadent North America and Brasseler USA each pledged $500,000. Mr Robert A. Ganley, President of Ivoclar, stated, “Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc, shares with the American College of Prosthodontists a vision of the future built on a foundation of quality dentistry and supported by a dedicated, focused education program. We are proud to be a part of the New Vision Campaign and of our involvement in the American College of Prosthodontists' Education Foundation.” Mr Don Waters, President and CEO of Brasseler, stated, “Brasseler USA has made an investment in the future of dentistry and the dental profession by contributing to the American College of Prosthodontists' Education Foundation. We fully expect that by strengthening the profession in this way, we will all benefit—patients, practitioners, and dental companies alike. We strongly urge the dental trade to support this worthwhile effort.” Both of these contributions were acknowledged at the official campaign launch in October 2001 (Figs. 1 and 2).

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• Fig. 1. 

  George Tysowsky (center), Senior Vice-President of Technology at Ivoclar Vivadent North America, presenting gift to Thomas McGarry (left) and Ned Van Roekel (right).

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• Fig. 2. 

  Don Waters (center), President and CEO of Brasseler USA, presenting gift to Thomas McGarry (left) and Ned Van Roekel (right).

By the October annual meeting, the campaign committee had produced remarkable early results, raising $3.1 million—well in excess of the initial goal of $2 million. Encouraged by this support from individuals, organizations, and corporate partners, the New Vision Campaign was officially launched in New Orleans with a new goal: $5 million. The early success of the campaign has attracted the attention of industry and individuals committed to the specialty of prosthodontics. Recognition of the importance of prosthodontics has inspired many corporations to pledge unprecedented levels of support.

The New Vision Campaign Steering Committee Honorary Chair is Dr Gordon Christensen, who said that he accepted the post “because I believe that support of this bold initiative is crucial to the future of our specialty.” Serving as Co-Chairs are Dr Jonathan L. Ferencz, ACP President-Elect, and Mr. Robert Ganley, President of Ivoclar Vivadent North America. The committee is staffed by representatives from a broad segment of the prosthodontic community.

The campaign steering committee invites all ACP leaders, industry innovators, companies, and members to invest in the vision of the future of prosthodontics. Members and supporters of the ACP and the specialty of prosthodontics will be asked to give generously to the New Vision Campaign throughout 2002. The active phase of the initiative began in January 2002 with volunteer recruitment and pledge requests by ACP constituent divisions. Active solicitation is scheduled to conclude in Fall 2002. Funds pledged over the next 5 years will position the ACPEF as the premier center for research, teaching, and marketing of prosthodontics today and well into the future.

For more information about the campaign or how to make your contribution, please contact a member of the campaign committee, an ACPEF board member, or the Campaign Director, Ms Karen Sloat, at the American College of Prosthodontists. Phone: (312)573-1260, extension 11, or toll-free (800)378-1260. Fax: (312)573-8973.