ASMBS Foundation News and Update—December 2012

by David Provost, MD

Dr. Provost is President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation. He maintains a private practice, Provost Bariatrics in Denton, Texas. Dr. Provost also serves on the ASMBS Executive Council, is a member of the Surgical Review Corporation’s (SRC) Board of Directors, and is a member of the Society for American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), where he serves on the Bariatric Liaison Committee.

Please consider making a charitable donation to support the ASMBS Foundation’s Operation M.O.R.E. (Monies for Obesity Research and Education) while paying your annual ASMBS membership dues. Your tax-deductible donation of an amount significant to you will help us to continue building our endowment and ensure that ASMBS members will receive the valuable support from the ASMBS Foundation.

Thanks to your generosity, the Foundation was able to:
•    Double platinum sponsor the Certified Bariatric Nurse Program
•    Fund 23 ASMBS research grants
•    Supported the ASMBS Nutrition Guidelines Project
•    Support the ASMBS Online CME Program
•    Fund the ASMBS Integrated Health Research Awards
•    Support the Edward Mason Professorship at the University of Iowa
•    Support the educational and advocacy initiatives of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
•    Sponsor the Walk from Obesity, Walk on the Capitol in Washington, DC in 2008
•    Fund the Walk from Obesity Cookbook
•    Fund 12 Bryan G. Woodward Community grants to support local initiatives to address the obesity epidemic
•    Sponsor the 2010-2012 ASMBS fall educational courses
•    Fund the ASMBS Access and Advocacy Program
•    Fund the 2011–2012 ASMBS International committee awards
•    Support the revised ASMBS patient booklet
•    Support the ASMBS jLog™ Program, an online educational project to meet the information needs of patients and referring physicians regarding metabolic and bariatric surgery
•    Organize the annual Walk from Obesity fundraising events in over 50 cities across the United States
•    Support the ASMBS Quality Improvement Project

We continue to work hard to be responsible stewards of your generosity and to be efficient with our operations while fulfilling our mission. Aside from the tax advantages from your contribution, you receive the satisfaction of knowing that your gift will continue to grow and serve those affected by obesity and support the advancement of metabolic and bariatric surgery through education and research.

Once again, thank you for your generosity and forward thinking.

Sincerely,
The ASMBS Foundation
Board of Directors

Tip of the Month: It is not too late to meet your fundraising goal! The deadline to meet your 2012 fundraising goal is December 31, 2012. If the Walk from Obesity event that you participated in has already taken place and you did not meet your fundraising goal, the donation option on the Walk Web site will remain “live” until the end of the year, so anyone wishing to donate after the event may do so through the online event page. Also, it is not too late to send in your pledge forms.

Keep up the good work and don’t miss out on being a winner in our fundraising incentive program:
•    $100+ Entry into National Drawing for an iPod Nano
•    $500+ Entry into National Drawing for a Wii System
•    $1,000+ Receive an iPod Nano
•    $2,500+ Receive Wii game system and an iPod Nano

Let your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, doctor, dentist, and fitness center, know how much more you need to  raise in order to meet your goal and see your total rise.

Good luck and thank you for supporting the Walk from Obesity!

Get involved! The 2013 spring application to host a Walk from Obesity event is now available. Hosting a Walk event is a tremendous experience and the Walk from Obesity is the only event where individuals affected by obesity can join together and raise awareness of this disease. From New York to California, walkers all across the country represent their successes in the fight against obesity.
The “Spring Event Application” and “Hosting a Walk FAQ’s” is now available online at  http://walkfromobesity.com/resources/
host.html.
The deadline to submit the Spring 2013 application is January 4, 2013.
For any questions regarding event hosting, please email [email protected] or contact us at (866) 471-2727.

Here are five reasons to host a Walk from Obesity in your community:
1.    Be a leader. Join with local healthcare providers and volunteers to help those affected by obesity by raising money for a worthwhile cause.
2.    Be part of the tradition. The Walk from Obesity is a proud tradition among many of the leading bariatric practices and hospitals across the country.
3.    A celebration of success. The Walk is the only national event that brings together those who are directly affected by obesity and provides them with an event where they can share their struggles and successes.
4.    Draw attention to the cause. Hosting a Walk is key to drawing attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts.
5.    Inform your community. The Walk from Obesity gives hospitals, physician practices, and sponsors invaluable exposure in the obesity community, national and local media, and the general public and provides an opportunity to educate individuals on weight-loss options and living a healthier lifestyle.
Visit www.walkfromobesity.com for more information on hosting a Walk in the Spring of 2013. If you have specific questions, please call the ASMBS Foundation at (866) 471-2727 or email us at [email protected].
Thank you for supporting the Walk from Obesity!

The Hawaii Bariatric Society will host the first Walk from Obesity event in Honolulu, Sunday, December 16, 2012, at Ala Moana Beach Park. On behalf of the ASMBS Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition, we thank you for contributing to the vitality and spirit of your community through the hosting of your event.
For more information about the Honolulu Walk, visit http://walkfromobesity.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=618
Best wishes for a successful Walk from Obesity event!

December 31, 2012 Deadline Approaching for Accepting Nominations for the Walk from Obesity’s 2012 Purpose, Passion & Pledges (P3) Award . Our organization grows exponentially through your dedication and efforts!

The ASMBS Foundation recognizes outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond—perhaps a retiree who has raised hundreds of dollars, a child who inspires an entire school to participate in a Walk from Obesity event or a physically challenged participant who proudly walks one difficult step at a time.

We invite you to nominate an inspiring volunteer for the 2012 Purpose, Passion & Pledges (P3) Award. One exceptional nominee will be honored with a Walk from Obesity P3 Award plaque, a profile in the Walk from Obesity e-newsletter and the Walk from Obesity Web site.

Nominations may be made by:
•    Emailing your nomination letter to: [email protected]
•    Faxing your nomination letter to: (352) 331-4975
•    Mailing your nomination letter to: Walk from Obesity, ASMBS Foundation, 100 SW 75th St., Suite 201, Gainesville, FL

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles