As the philanthropic arm of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), PPA Charities allows PPA to become a force for positive change in our society, making a difference in the lives of others (Mission Statement).
Established as a charitable, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization, PPA Charities allows imaging professionals to combine their individual efforts to make an even bigger impact on the lives of children and families everywhere.
Organization:
PPA Charities Executive Director
Bert Behnke
20600 S. Old Wolf Road
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 267-0657
bbehnke@ppa.com
PPA Charities is governed by a Board of Trustees that is appointed annually by the PPA Board of Directors.
| 2008 Board of Trustees Mary Fisk-Taylor, President Harvey Goldstein, Vice President Scott Kurkian, PPA CFO, Treasurer Carol Andrews, PPA Board Liaison Don MacGregor, PPA Board Liaison |
Trustees Lori Craft David Grupa Ann Monteith Cindy Romaguera Randy Taylor Steve Troup Angela Weedon |
History:
In 1997, at the urging of PPA Charities President Bert Behnke, the PPA Board of Directors established PPA Charities as a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. This organization allows imaging professionals to combine their individual efforts to make an impact on the lives of children and families everywhere.
An initial fund-raising drive resulted in contributions that were invested as a perpetual fund. These monies are used to fund PPA Charities’ annual operational budget and reserve fund, which continue to grow through contributions and annual activities.
In 2005, PPA Charities Trustees invited Operation Smile to become its Charitable Partner. As such, Operation Smile, a highly respected world-wide organization, became the recipient of all contributions (made by PPA-member studios throughout the country) during PPA Charities’ annual Family Portrait Month charitable marketing promotion.
For as little as $240 Operation Smile can change a child's life by giving the gift of a surgery.
About Operation Smile, PPA Charities’ Charitable Partner
- Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children's medical charity. In 1982, Operation Smile was founded by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker.
- Operation Smile was launched with its first mission to the Philippines in 1982. Operation Smile currently supports international and local, in-country medical missions to 26 countries.
- Operation Smile partner countries include: Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gaza Strip/West Bank, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
- Since 1982, more than 115,000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of volunteers worldwide and thousands of healthcare professionals have been trained globally.
- For as little as $240 Operation Smile can change a child's life by giving the gift of a surgery. Revenue in excess of surgical costs is invested into our sustainability programs, empowering our partner countries to treat more children on their own and making your investment go even farther. The complete Operation Smile model is an investment of $750 per child. In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip surgery can change a child's life forever.
- Operation Smile integrates its partnerships with leading medical teaching institutions into its in-country medical education programs. Our partners in education include Yale University, Chang Gung Hospital and University (Taiwan), Duke University and the University of Southern California.
- Thousands of students in more than 500 Operation Smile Student Associations in the United States and around the world build awareness, raise funds and educate students about values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism.
- Operation Smile has worldwide offices in Hong Kong, London, Dublin, Brisbane, Rome, Los Angeles, and New York City that raise funds and awareness to support international programs.
- The annual Operation Smile Physicians' Training Program (PTP) brings doctors and nurses from around the world to the United States for advanced training in their specialized skills. Since 1987, more than 700 health care professionals have attended the program, held at our headquarters in Norfolk, VA.
- The World Care Program brings children and young adults, through sponsorships, to the United States for surgeries that are too complicated to be performed during in-country missions. Since 1985, more than 200 World Care patients have received life-changing surgery.
- To learn much more about Operation Smile, log on to www.operationsmile.org.
Past Charitable Activities:
PPA Disaster Relief Fund — In September 2005, the PPA Board of Directors took unprecedented steps to assist photographers whose studios and homes were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. They did so through PPA Charities. The fund provided direct aid to PPA photographers, distributing $1,000 to each PPA-member studio directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. They also contributed $10,000 ($5,000 each) to its two state Affiliates in the hard-hit areas, Professional Photographers of Louisiana and Professional Photographers of Mississippi-Alabama. These Affiliates used the funds to directly assist their members.
