Are You AWARE? ASMBS Foundation Launches New Program

A Message from Foundation President Rami Lutfi, MD

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we approach the second half of 2019, I am excited to share with you new initiatives taking place within the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation. We began the year under the leadership of a new Executive Director, Michael Votta, and welcomed a re-energized board of directors. As a result, our team evaluated our strengths as an organization and determined areas where we would focus our attention and make improvements. While many changes are still taking place behind the scenes, I am excited to introduce you to a new program we are launching this June called AWARE.

AWARE; meaning Awareness, Wellness, Access, Research, and Education, is a monthly giving program designed to support the mission and vision of the ASMBS Foundation. Monthly contributions collected from this program will help the Foundation gain sustainability and allow for the increase in support of important ASMBS initiatives. Additionally, through this new program, we will refine the connection that we have with our current supporters and work to form relationships with new donors.   

The ASMBS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the society (ASMBS) and works to help improve the understanding of obesity. Funds collected through AWARE, and our other fundraising programs, are used to fund ASMBS research grants, continuing education programs, and access to care initiatives. Furthermore, the ASMBS Foundation holds numerous events each year to raise awareness of obesity in cities across the country. To date, the ASMBS Foundation has provided funding for over 30 research grants, supported approximately 10 CME/CEU programs, such as the Essentials to Bariatric Surgery app, and has given more than $570,000 to support initiatives being taken to improve access to quality care.

Similar to a monthly subscription plan, AWARE is designed to allow donors to make recurring contributions to support our cause which serves to make improvements in the understanding of obesity. Donors may choose an amount that works with their budget and arrange for their contributions to be deducted from their account each month. Each AWARE donor will receive special recognition and regular updates on the progress being made by the ASMBS and the ASMBS Foundation. 

Please know that no donation is too small, and I encourage you to become AWARE and join our community dedicated to reducing the burden of obesity for millions of Americans. To become AWARE, visit www.ASMBSFoundation.org/AWARE and complete the simple online donation form. If you need assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful team at [email protected] or 352-332-9100.

Thank you for becoming AWARE,

-Rami Lutfi, MD

President, ASMBS Foundation

Upcoming Walk from Obesity Events

Indianapolis, IN
September 7, 2019

New York, NY
September 8, 2019

NorCal
September 21, 2019

Pittsburgh, PA
September 22, 2019

Charlotte, NC
September 28, 2019

Atlanta, GA
September 28, 2019

Dallas, TX
October 19, 2019

Dates to be Announced:

Cleveland, OH
Oklahoma
Greenville, NC
Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles