FAQ

ANN:  MY ADDITIONS ARE IN BLACK, BOLDED AND ITALICIZED--ANGIE

Who runs PPA Charities?

  • Why should I join other studios in donating to Operation Smile?  My studio already donates to local charities.
  • What does the largest contributed studio receieve (other than knowing they helped change many children's lives)

Do any PPA dues go towards the funding of PPA  Charities?
How did PPA Charities get started and how are my  donations used?
Are donations tax deductible?
How do I make a donation to help PPA Charities?

Who runs PPA Charities?
PPA Charities is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit Georgia corporation. The day-to-day  operations of the organization are handled by one paid staff member. The  governing board of the Charity is made up of nine (9) volunteer trustees  elected by the PPA Board of Directors. The current PPA President appoints  appropriate PPA Board Liaison(s), and the CFO of PPA serves as the treasurer.  The Trustees are led by a President and Vice President/Secretary. PPA provides  staff support for record-keeping, marketing, and legal advice.

Do any PPA dues go towards the funding of PPA  Charities?
No. PPA's only current financial commitment is in the form of staff support to  handle record-keeping, aid in marketing/communications and assist the PPA  Charities Board in securing information in planning our conference-related  events. Also, PPA's current President appoints PPA Board Liaison(s), and the  Chief Financial Officer of PPA sits on the Board of Trustees of PPA Charities.  This helps to ensure two-way communication between the two groups.

How did PPA Charities get started and how are my  donations used?
PPA Charities was the brain child of Bert Behnke, past PPA president, and his  board of directors. Charities was formed in 1997, and by the end of 1999, the  foundation had raised over $110,000. A matching donation from Burrell  Professional Labs of $40,000 brought the perpetual fund total to $150,000. In  January of 2000, the first donation from PPA Charities was presented to the  Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in the amount of $10,000.

The goal of PPA Charities is to increase the capital fund to  $500,000. This would allow the Charity to make substantial contributions to  worthy children's charities each year. All donations are added to the perpetual  fund until this goal has been reached. Once the fund is fully established, the  charity will have longevity and stability without soliciting the same people  year after year. Once we reach our goal, future special events will allow us  even greater opportunities to support needy children.

In January 2005 during our kick-off event at Emeril's New  Orleans, PPA Charities presented a check to Operation Smile (our charitable  partner for four years) in the amount of $10,000. In 2008, PPA Charities  reached the record of donating $52,000. This brought the total to almost $115,000, which accounts for almost 500 children obtaining life-changing  surgery thanks to PPA members!

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. As PPA Charities is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit group, all contributions  are deductible according to the laws of your specific state. You should consult  with your accountant for an exact answer.

How do I make a donation to help PPA Charities?
Remember, you can make a donation to PPA Charities at any time for any reason...out of the kindness of your heart  or in honor or memory of a friend, colleague, or family member. You can also  support PPA Charities by attending our special events during Imaging USA. Many  affiliates have hosted events to benefit PPA Charities as well. A very special  way to support PPA Charities is to recognize the accomplishments of friends and  family members who receive PPA degrees and awards with a donation.