ASMBS Foundation News and Update—April 2011

by Kelvin Higa, MD, FACS

Dr. Higa is President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation; Clinical Professor in Surgery, University of California San Francisco, Fresno; and Director, Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Fresno, California.

Fresno Hospitals Donate $100,000 to Operation MORE
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation developed a fundraising campaign in 2010 called “Operation MORE” (Monies for Obesity Research and Education). To date, through individual and corporate contributions, Operation MORE has raised almost half a million dollars, and the goal for 2011 is to reach the million dollar mark.

The Foundation would like to recognize the Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital and Clovis Community Hospitals for donating an additional $75,000 in support of Operation MORE and ASMBS initiatives. This brings their total contribution up to $100,000 for the past three years.

The Foundation congratulates and thanks the Fresno Surgical Hospital and Clovis Community Hospital for their generosity, insight, and awareness of the importance of our mission.

The Foundation challenges other institutions and industry to demonstrate their commitment. Only through such donations can the ASMBS Foundation continue to deliver the high-level educational programs, support research, and advocacy for our patients.

To make a donation today, visit www.asmbsfoundation.org.

The ASMBS Foundation’s Oustanding Achievement Award recipient will be announced at the 14th Annual Event, “Masters Course in Fun!”
The Foundation hopes to see you at this year’s exciting event in Orlando, Florida. The Foundation will host their 14th annual fundraising event titled “Masters Course in Fun!” held in conjunction with the 28th Annual Meeting of the ASMBS. The Foundation’s prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award recipient will be announced during this event. Each year the Foundation honors an ASMBS member who has displayed a selfless commitment to the ASMBS and has made significant contributions to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.

The Foundation would like to congratulate the nominees
Aniceto Baltasar MD;
George Cowan, MD;
Picard Marceau, MD;
Philip Schauer, MD.

The Masters Course in Fun will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2011, from 7:00 pm until midnight and will include dinner, dancing, casino games, and the chance to win some great prizes. Purchase your tickets when registering for the ASMBS Annual meeting at www.asmbs2011.org or visit www.asmbsfoundation.org to purchase tickets online or to download the ticket order form. The cost is $125 and includes admission to ASMBS AfterDark, where the ASMBS comes alive.

The Foundation aims to put the “fun” in fundraising. Not only do we have two exciting fundraising programs (Operation MORE and the 14th Annual Event), we will also host the “Gaylord Gallop Pedometer Challenge” during the ASMBS Annual Meeting in Orlando and the annual Walk from Obesity in over 70 cities across the United States.

Register today for the ASMBS Foundation’s Gaylord Gallop Pedometer Challenge
The Foundation invites you to join us for the Gaylord Gallop Pedometer Challenge as you explore the spectacular Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The contest begins on June 12th and ends on June 14th. The registration fee is $10 and includes a pedometer. Prizes will be given to the team and individual with the most miles walked and most money raised. The individual to raise the most money will win the grand prize: free lodging and registration to next year’s ASMBS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Monies raised through the Gaylord Gallop will benefit Operation MORE. Get a head start on your competitors and register today for the Gaylord Gallop at www.asmbsfoundation.org.

Raise Funds for the ASMBS Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition by hosting a Walk from Obesity Event in 2011.
The Walk from Obesity is a proud tradition among many of the leading bariatric practices across the country. Hosting a Walk from Obesity event is an opportunity to expand the awareness of obesity and the effects of health in your local community. From New York to California, walkers all across the country represent their successes in the fight against obesity.

The Walk from Obesity has raised more than $4.5 million dollars since its inception. The funds raised by your Walk efforts support obesity research, professional education initiatives, and community grant programs of the ASMBS Foundation as well as the patient and public education and advocacy initiatives of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of all those who participated last year and previous years as well.

To get started hosting a Walk from Obesity event in your city, please visit www.walkfromobesity.com and click on “Host a Walk” to fill out the online application. The National walk date is Saturday, September 24, 2011; however, there are many other fall and spring dates from which to choose. One successful process is to engage your facility’s community outreach and public relations groups to get them involved in organizing the walk. It is a great opportunity to see many of your patients and meet their families and friends.

Thank you in advance for considering leading and hosting a 2011 Walk from Obesity event. Your commitment makes the difference.

The deadline to host a Walk from Obesity event is June 1, 2011. Hosting a Walk in your community is an excellent way to join with local healthcare providers and volunteers to help those affected by obesity.

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles