birdstrike

This is why it doesn't need to be discussed in public... because people start getting ugly and accusing others of not giving (and of being cheap, selfish, irresponsible, ignorant etc...). If someone is not on the list of givers to charity "abc", please don't assume that they are not giving and caring soles. It may be that they are giving (all that they can afford) to other charities. That's all. Announcing/ promoting a certain charity is great. But what's happening here is likely going to turn into a blanket party for those that have opted to give to other causes. again, IMHO

SaltyDog

birdstrike,
The Foundation said a one time contribution would put you on the list of members. So give one beer or bottled water worth of money to kids charities and you helped the goodwill of all the fellow IPA pilots. I don't care how strapped you are, as an IPA pilot, you can afford that small amount. It is not about how much, only about participation. Many new members are on probation (Kudos to them!)
Disclosure: I am not on the Board, just one who contributes to a dozen charities including this one.

birdstrike

This is what I'm talking about... did I ever say I wasn't a contributor? I hope the foundation reaches it's goal, it is a great charity. I, for one, would never assume that someone else should or shouldn't ( or can afford to or not afford to) contribute. Peace.

IPAMD11FO

If I remember correctly, a list of contributors was published in the Flight Times a few months ago.

SaltyDog

birdstike,
I don't mean "you" the anonymous poster on an APC forum since I don't know who "you" are. If you have or have not contributed is completely fine. I WAS commenting on your argument that an IPA pilot couldn't afford even $1 though. Said "you" as any and all IPA pilots could afford $1 to contribute to the Foundation. Hard judgment call on my part. Sorry for the rebut. I will bail out of this charged discussion so as not to besmirch the Foundation of which I am not in anyway connected except as someone who sent in a dollar.

oldfr8dog

As a senior captain I don't understand the low level of participation in the IPA Foundation. I've contributed to the foundation every payday since its inception. It's a good cause and it serves children's charities in several cities, not just Louisville. I agree that giving is personal and wouldn't single out anyone that doesn't contribute to any particular charity but we are a very blessed group and I believe that we are obligated in a moral sense to share with those that are less fortunate, in whatever ways and to whichever organisations we feel are appropriate.

fr8rcaptain

From the IPA Foundation Webpage:

Foundation Info:
Since the early days of our association, the IPA leadership has felt it was important for the membership to be represented to the public in a philanthropic endeavor. Therefore, the Independent Pilots Association Foundation, or IPA Foundation, was officially formed in late 1993. The first fiscal year began on July1, 1994 and since then the Foundation has functioned as a separate entity, entirely self-sufficient, operated solely from the donations received through its members. As a separate entity, the IPA Foundation conforms to existing labor laws as well as sec. 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

If the Foundation is to continue to further its efforts and increase the scope of its impact, we must seek to involve each and every member of the association. As many of our founding foundation members retire, we look to you to help the foundation continue its mission. By joining your fellow crewmembers and supporting the foundation, you can make a difference.

Membership in the Foundation is purely voluntary. To support our effort, please complete a payroll deduction form, our preferred method. Contributions may also be made directly to the IPA Foundation. Contributions are tax deductible; please check with your tax advisor.

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I made the decision to become an active member of the IPA Foundation in 1994 after talking with a Foundation boardmember. Since 1994, I've given a paultry $5/paycheck (a grand total of $130/year). Do I miss $5 bucks per check, of course not. Is it a big donation, no. But if only 1500 of our IPA members did the same, the IPA Foundation would receive $195,000 per year!

Here's why I like the IPA Foundation:
1. It's costs are EXTREMELY low. A very LARGE percentage of the money donated goes directly to the charities selected.

2. ZERO union funds are involved. The IPA Foundation, by law, is seperate from the union. I believe any union office space, or union facilities is fully reimbursed to the IPA. There are no trip drops for Foundation Boardmembers, it's all done on their own time.

3. The IPA Foundation supports various charities and charitable acts throughout the USA, not just the greater Louisville area.

4. The IPA Foundation raises awareness of the IPA, our union, and our pilot group.

5. My small donation is a part of my personal giving strategy.

6. Best of all, it's easy to sign up for the payroll deduction!