How and Why Charitable Organizations & Foundations Were Started

Have you ever wondered how charitable organizations and foundations came to be? I was watching a special program on television called "Stand Up To Cancer" and on the show they talked about how the March Of Dimes got started and this made me wonder how other charities got their start.

There are thousands of charitable organizations & foundations in the United States and around the world. The purpose of each organization varies depending on which country they are in. In the US, charitable organizations are meant to be organized for the benefit of the public. Some of those benefits are relief of the poor, advancement of religion, elimination of prejudice & discrimination, and to combat juvenile delinquency. Some charitable organizations are considered to be foundations because they are funded by an individual, family, or corporation.

This is the history behind some notable charities.

March of Dimes
The US March of Dimes was originally started in 1938 and was known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The original purpose of the Foundation was to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the disease. Franklin D. Roosevelt was president during this time period and was believed to have polio. The first fundraising effort began with an appeal in the newspaper asking that everyone in the nation contribute a dime to fight polio. The fundraising events became an annual occurrence and many Hollywood radio and television stars began to promote the charity. When Roosevelt died in office in 1945, his portrait was placed on the dime as a commemoration to him. Over the years, the name "March of Dimes" became synonymous with that of the charity and the name "March of Dimes" was officially adopted in 1979.

The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 was known back then as the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC) and was created by 15 prominent physicians and business leaders in New York City. The first year they were able to raise $10,000 and also published a pamphlet telling the public about cancer and educating them on the disease since the word cancer was not heard about in public during this time. The American Cancer Society is now a nationwide voluntary community based health organization that does research and serves the community and is dedicated to educate people on cancer, help save the lives of those already affected by cancer, and learn new ways to prevent and treat cancer.

Relay for Life
In May of 1985 Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma Washington, wanted to think of a way to bring in more funds for the American Cancer Society so he walked around a track for 24 hours at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. As the night went on his friends and family gathered around and donations of $25.00 were given to have the opportunity to walk with Dr. Klatt. A total of 83 miles were walked that first night and Dr. Klatt raised $27,000 to help fight cancer. That is how Relay For Life was born. Relay For Life is a nationwide now and also helps raise the communities awareness of cancer and is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life celebrates cancer survivors and honors those who have lost their battle with cancer.

Make A Wish Foundation
Make A Wish foundation was established in 1980 by David Williams. Make A Wish Foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children who have been diagnosed with a life threatening condition. The very first wish was granted in 1980 to Chris Greicius, a 7 year old little boy who had been diagnosed with leukemia. Chris wanted to become a Police Officer so he was invited to come to Arizona and take a tour of the Police headquarters there. When they arrived in Arizona, Chris and his Mother were flown in by helicopter and greeted by a motorcycle officer and three police cruisers. Chris was given his very own custom fitted DPS uniform and was sworn in and named as the very first honorary DPS patrolman in history. Chris never let his uniform get out of his sight. Unfortunately, Chris lost his battle with leukemia on May 3, 1980.

Marine Toys For Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Diane Hendricks, wife of Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, asked her huband to deliver a handcrafted doll to an organization that would see that the doll got into the hands of a needy child at Christmas. Bill tried to do as his wife asked, but found out that no such agency existed. Diane told Bill that he should start one and he did! Bill and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign. The purpose behind the foundation is to give less fortunate children a chance to experience the joy of Christmas.

M.A.D.D.
M.A.D.D. was a true grassroots organization started by ordinary citizens with a desire to tragedy into awareness. Candy Lightner established MADD in 1980 after her daughter Cari was killed by a repeat offender drunk driver. Cindy Lamb joined in with Candy Lightner shortly afterwards when her daughter Laura was hit by a drunk driver and she became the youngest quadriplegic in the country. Over the years, M.A.D.D. has opened the eyes of the government and they have passed traffic safety and victims' rights legislation. The organization has also changed the perception of society as well, and it is no longer considered acceptable to drink and drive.

Elton John Aids Foundation
This was established in 1982 in the USA by Sir Elton John and in the UK in 1993. It's a non-profit charity and helps raise money to educate people about on HIV and Aids. The foundation also gives support and care to those living with HIV & Aids.

Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to develop improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's. Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991 but did not go public until seven years later. Once the public knew of his condition, he committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson's research.

Summary:
There are many more noteworthy charities that deserve to be mentioned and honored ... please go to http://www.charitywatch.org/azlist.html for an alphabetical list and find your favorites and research their history. Just remember that every charitable organization and foundation has the same goal in mind - to meet a need. All it takes is one single person with a caring and loving heart, and a charity can be born. Each person has the ability to make a life saving difference in another person's life. It makes no difference how much you give, or what you give, just as long as you give!

Sources:
www.wikipedia.com
www.marchofdimes.com
www.michaeljfox.org
www.ejaf.org
www.madd.org
www.toysfortots.org
www.americancancersoicety.com