$400,000 Grant Received for Science-Based Evaluation
By John Boop
On May 21st, the Foundation was notified that the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation had awarded Betty Ford Institute a grant of $400,000 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Betty Ford Children’s Program. Working with the independent research organization, Treatment Research Institute (TRI) located in Pennsylvania, the goal of the project is to understand whether, to what extent and how, the Betty Ford Children’s Program disrupts the intergenerational cycle of addiction.
This two-year evaluation research project strives to achieve three specific objectives:
- Document the degree to which changes occur in youth participants following exposure to the Children’s Program in the following child-related areas: a) knowledge regarding their parent’s addiction; b) the parent-child relationship; and, c) academic and social functioning.
- Understand the variation in individual “response” to the program based upon baseline child mental health status, history of trauma and severity of parent’s addiction.
- Describe changes in parent and family functioning using standardized assessment instruments following parental involvement in the Program.
This unique grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will provide the first science-based evaluation of the Betty Ford Children’s Program. First offered in 1995 to children of our own patients ages seven to twelve, the Children’s Program has now expanded to serve non-alumni through offices in Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver.
Having served over 13,000 children, the Betty Ford Children’s Program has become the hallmark education, intervention and prevention program in the treatment field. This award from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation will provide an objective validation of the anecdotal evidence that the program not only touches lives, but changes lives in a positive manner.
Distinction Among Donors
By Betsy Farver
Projects of Distinction provide special opportunities for larger gifts from significant donors. The philosophy of the Betty Ford Center Foundation has always been that “every dollar makes a difference” and we still hold that to be true. Each of the following case statements, however, reflects the scope of today’s needs and into the future, offering recognition on a grand scale, in perpetuity.
Several important funding opportunities are available to support through Projects of Distinction:
The Admissions Entrance is the portal through which every patient walks. It is the brand-new focal point of the Betty Ford Center campus, the most important new construction in seven years and the last for the foreseeable future. We believe it should bear the name of someone who values the Center’s work.
The Children’s Program – to cover the operating budget of the three offices (California, Texas and Colorado), the Foundation must raise over $2.3 million each fiscal year. Foundation grants raise a portion of this amount, but the balance must be raised from alumni families and friends.
Dining Pavilion – no other facility on campus is used as frequently. With only ten permanent structures on campus, this is one of the two remaining external naming opportunities.
Endowment Fund – created to provide financial security for the Center in perpetuity. It is invested prudently for long-term growth and produces an annual income stream to the Center. Our goal is $50 million by the year 2012.
Residential Day Treatment Campus/Buildings – a unique naming opportunity exists for the RDT/NDP campus itself. This project will be more fully developed by 2015.
Summer Institute for Medical Students – SIMS is a training experience for future physicians concerning the disease of addiction and its diagnosis and treatment. Help us keep this pivotal program moving forward. Students attend on scholarships provided by donors.
Foundation Board of Trustees Update
By John Boop
Set to hold three meetings a year, the Betty Ford Center Foundation held its first official Board of Trustees meeting on May 3–4, 2010 in Indian Wells, CA.
Jim Greenbaum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, opened the session by reminding the trustees of their invaluable role in providing for the financial security of Betty Ford Center and Betty Ford Institute. Much of the first day was invested in reviewing the various naming opportunities still available in support of the capital projects undertaken around the Betty Ford Center campus.
Another committee report focused on special events such as the annual Betty Ford Invitational Pro-Am (next scheduled for April 4, 2011), and the Foundation’s role at the upcoming Alumni Anniversary Weekend (November 5-7, 2010).
As an important component of the comprehensive development program, there is a very active committee focused specifically on Estate Planning and Planned Gifts. During the current economic cycle, many donors are looking to planned giving to accomplish their goals or supplement their current activities.
The Board of Trustees is also breaking ground as it explores creating an outreach effort to companies who are interested in underwriting activities such as the Children’s Program. Establishing appropriate criteria for such arrangements requires careful consideration, but done appropriately, offers a potential new source of underwriting for mission-driven programs that generate minimal revenue. Currently, 95% of the families who participate in the Children’s Program attend through donated funds.
The work of the Board of Trustees is vital to the financial well-being of the Betty Ford Center. The current members are: Jim Greenbaum, Jay Bonds, Laura Jones, Andy Kahn, Barbara Littman, Eric Lund, Mike Quayle, Madeline Redstone, Rob Reifschneider, Brian Rosenstein, Joe Scott, Pat Summerall and MaryPat Woodard.
They will be joined by new trustee Carol Seay from Dallas who will attend the next meeting set for August 1–2 in Denver. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Trustees to carry forward the vision of Mrs. Ford.
Golf Tournament Raises More than $200K for Financial Assistance
By Laura Hunt
On the course at Morningside on April 5th, seventeen LPGA players formed quartets with tournament participants to raise funds in support of treatment programs at the Betty Ford Center.
Of special note at this year’s tournament, LPGA Senior Vice President of Professional Development and Member Services, Mindy Moore, made a poignant presentation on behalf of Val Skinner, LPGA player and breast cancer awareness advocate. Highlights from Val’s letter included:
“It is a privilege to make this special presentation to the Betty Ford Legacy Fund. This gift of $10,000, given by The Val Skinner Foundation and LIFE, LPGA Pros in the fight to eradicate breast cancer, is given with appreciation for LIFE’s 10-year National Honorary Chair, Mrs. Betty Ford. Mrs. Ford’s support and service to the women we serve through LIFE’s national outreach campaign, Komen on the Go and our clinical services through the LIFE Center at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, is valued by all of LIFE’s partners, participants and LPGA professionals. We make this gift in the name of Christian J. Plumeri, a beloved son of one of LIFE’s supporters and friends Joe Plumeri.” Mindy concluded the letter, “Thank you, Mrs. Ford for your courage, passion and gift of friendship to so many. LPGA Professional and LIFE’s Founder, Val Skinner”
In its 24th year, the annual golf tournament provides critical funding in support of Mrs. Ford’s vision for a treatment center that emphasizes the needs of women and includes the entire family.
Seventeen LPGA players at the 24th Annual Betty Ford Invitation Pro-Am Golf Tournament are pictured with Susan Ford Bales (standing, 5th from right) and LPGA Commissioner, Michael Whan (standing left of Susan Ford Bales).
BFC Alumni are Helping Michigan Families
By Jeanette Janik
Fifteen months ago, the Betty Ford Children’s Program Training Academy accepted Brighton Hospital as the pilot site for the implementation of a children’s program modeled after ours. The training proceeded on schedule and Brighton Hospital is now offering a children’s program every month. When firmly established, the program has the potential to serve 400 children and their family members annually.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan has established a dollar-for-dollar $50,000 matching grant to fund the work we have undertaken at Brighton Hospital. That match must be met by September 30, 2010. To date, we have received $46,000 in gifts. Initially, we focused our fundraising efforts on Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. However, we’ve gotten gifts from alumni throughout the United States who feel compassion for Michigan families who have been especially hard hit by the prolonged economic downturn.
Brighton Hospital is 45 minutes west of Detroit—a city in which 50% of families lack the wherewithal to meet their most basic needs. Please help us help Brighton Hospital in their work with children whose lives have been affected by the addiction of someone they love and count on.
An Alumnus says “Thank You” in a Public Way
By Jeanette Janik
Pasi had a rocky first year in recovery. When it is said that addictive disease is “cunning and baffling,” Pasi knows firsthand what that means. As he struggled to get a foothold in recovery, no one helped him more than Patrick Tierney, the spiritual care counselor in McCallum Hall. Pasi is extremely grateful for Patrick’s wisdom and support and wanted to express his gratitude in a concrete way.
Pasi was going to give a $75,000 gift of support to name Patrick’s office at the end of 2010. However, when he found out that Patrick was going to retire this May, he gave it while Patrick was still here. Patrick was humbled by the gesture.
Pasi is hoping that, by sharing about his gift and why he gave it in Philantopics, other people who lived in McCallum while in treatment and were lucky enough to be helped by Patrick will also give a gift in his honor. We’ll keep Patrick informed of any gifts we receive and pass along to him any notes or letters that donors send that set forth their appreciation to have had him in their lives during this critical time.
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Cycling the United Kingdom for Recovery
by Cally C.
A few years ago, we witnessed the devastation caused by the presence of an addict in the family unit. Addiction can take the form of gambling, alcohol, drugs or just about anything that develops into an addictive obsession.
Many addicts find help and recovery, but so few of the affected family members ever do. “Family” may be relatives or loved ones or friends close to the addict. [Studies show that for every addicted person, eight others are affected by his or her addiction.]
Through non-profit fellowships such as Alanon, Alateen and centers such as Betty Ford Center, family and friends can find the help and skills they need to find their own recovery, to live a normal life whether their loved one is still addicted or not.
We are doing our part to give back to Betty Ford Center, who helped our family begin our road to recovery. On August 18, 2010, four of us plan to cycle nearly 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats, two of us on late 1880’s ordinary bicycles and the other two on equally ambitious machines.
All money raised through sponsoring our ride will support the Betty Ford Center Family Program Financial Assistance Fund. For more information on how to support this effort, please visit www.toetohead.com, where donations can be made in U.S. dollars.
We are grateful to Betty Ford Center for helping our family heal. It is our hope that this ride will inspire others to give and provide scholarships to additional families, so that they may receive a new life enriched by recovery.
MusiCares Benefit Concert
By Laura Hunt
The glamorization of sex, drugs and rock n' roll has, for years, taken a toll on some of the greatest talent in our culture. Over time and with consistent efforts in the areas of education and public relations, gradual progress has been made to shift the falsely held perception that drinking and drugging are expected to go hand-in-hand with rock n’ roll. MusiCares and the MAP Fund are two organizations that have been working tirelessly to bring about that change.
To support their efforts, an annual benefit concert was held May 7th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. The event honored Betty Ford and women in recovery. In addition to the goal of raising funds for addiction treatment and recovery for musicians, the event provided a platform for education.
“New studies show that only 8% of women with drug and alcohol problems ever seek help,” stated MusiCares Vice President Kristen Madsen in her remarks. Ms. Madsen introduced Susan Ford Bales who accepted the honor on behalf of her mother, Betty Ford. MusiCares and MAP Fund recognized Mrs. Ford’s contributions for women seeking help for addiction.
The concert, hosted by very funny comedian, Sarge, showcased all-star performances: Exene unplugged; Linda Perry in a commanding Led Zeppelin cover; Beth Hart with Slash doing a song in honor of Hart's departed sibling, "Sister Heroin;" Ace Frehely, Corey Parks, Matt Sorum, Alison Robertson, and Slash (who Park joked were calling themselves "Cirrhosis and the Morning Shakes" for the night) were joined by Lemmy, and then Chad Smith on drums and finally Wayne Kramer. Annabella Lwin sang with The Go-Gos' Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine, plus Hole's Patty Schemel, all of whom were later joined by Billy Corgan, and Blondie's Frank Infante and Clem Burke on "I Want Candy," "Boots" and "We Got The Beat." Cherie Currie ended the all-star concert with "Cherry Bomb."
Reduce the Income Tax Tmpact of a ROTH IRA Conversion by Combining it with a Betty Ford Center Charitable Gift Annuity
By Dave Hutchison
For 2010, the income limitations have been removed, allowing higher income taxpayers to convert traditional IRAs to ROTH accounts. However, the income tax due at the time of the conversion can be a burden.
Here is a way to combine a Betty Ford Center charitable gift annuity with a ROTH conversion to substantially reduce your tax impact. You will receive a large charitable income tax deduction, increase tax-free income, and lower that conversion tax impact.
In other words, have your cake and eat it, too!
Here is an example of how to combine a Betty Ford Center charitable gift annuity with a ROTH IRA conversion to reduce tax impact:
Frank M., 71, who is a BFC alum, will have to start taking mandatory withdrawals from his IRA. Frank is in good health, wants to continue working, and does not need the income from his IRA. He plans to work for five more years and would rather have his IRA continue to grow to be used when he actually retires. Frank and his wife, who is also 71, have just over $200,000 of income and are in the 33% bracket. Frank feels that his tax bracket may be greater in the future.
Now that the income limitations have been removed, Frank is considering converting his IRA to a ROTH IRA to take advantage of tax-free compounding and not having his withdrawals taxed nor being required to make withdrawals. Converting the $100,000 IRA to a ROTH account will generate a tax bill of $33,000. Even though he can stretch payment of the conversion tax over the following two years, and even though he will pay less taxes over the long term by converting, Frank would like to reduce this burdensome and large up-front tax impact.
Frank is very grateful to Betty Ford Center for helping him deal with his struggle with alcoholism that enabled him to turn his life around and save his business and his marriage. He and his wife have been considering the possibility of a charitable donation to the Center.
Frank can utilize a Betty Ford Center charitable gift annuity to mitigate his immediate tax burden with the ROTH conversion, increase his income, and fulfill his charitable objectives at the same time.
Frank currently has a $100,000 bank 1.5% CD that is about to mature. He can establish a $100,000 gift annuity with the Center that will pay himself and his wife $5,300 (5.3%) per year for life (joint and survivor). For the first 19.7 years, $3,503 of the $5,300 will be tax free, which makes the $5,300 annuity equivalent to $7,026 of taxable income. Since the principal of the gift annuity will pass to the Center at the death of the survivor, they will receive a charitable income tax deduction of $30,946 when the gift annuity is established.
With the charitable tax deduction and the increase in annual income, in 2 years Frank will have reduced the $33,000 conversion tax to $11,736. This makes the ROTH conversion much more attractive. Further, Frank and his wife have the satisfaction of making a significant future charitable gift to Betty Ford Center. Minimum age to set up a BFC gift annuity is 60.
For a personalized illustration and further information, contact Dave Hutchison, Estate Planning Officer at 760-773-4326, or by email at dhutchison@bettyfordcenter.org.
It Keeps Giving and Giving and Giving
by Dave Hutchison
The fuzzy pink sunglass-bespectacled bunny in the commercial promoting long-lasting battery power reminds me of the enduring character of an endowment fund. Once established, it just keeps paying out money year after year after year. But, unlike the battery that eventually runs down, the endowment fund lasts in perpetuity. And perpetuity is a long time.
The permanence of an endowment is exactly what attracts some of our donors to this means of supporting Betty Ford Center. They like the idea that the principal of their gift will stay intact while the income, or at least a good part of it, will be used for a worthy cause. They realize that some day they will be gone and their outright annual gifts will no longer be available to help meet current needs. But, through an endowment, they can keep making their annual gifts.
Some endowment donors are attracted to the opportunity an endowment gives to memorialize a loved one or other respected person. They use this perpetual giving arrangement to bring honor and recognition.
Other thoughtful donors want to establish an endowment in their own name as a means of placing themselves on permanent record as persons who believe in and support a particular program or cause at the Center.
An endowment can be created during life, or at death, through a bequest or trust remainder. It can be restricted to specific programs or unrestricted for general use. You can create your own endowment or contribute to one that already exists. Recent significant gifts have created endowments that will benefit the Betty Ford Children’s Program and also Betty Ford Institute.
Endowments can be made at once with a single gift or established over time with repeated gifts. Endowments can originate from a single source or through the efforts and support of many persons.
Endowments are especially useful in drawing other family members into the giving arena. For example, grandparents who establish an endowment in the family's name are providing their children and grandchildren with a continuing tie with Betty Ford Center, as well as a means for them to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing "their" annual endowment grant benefit a worthy cause.
There are other good reasons for tapping into the endowment opportunities at Betty Ford Center. You owe it to yourself, and your family, to consider this charitable option.
Betty Ford Center has developed sound policies for creating and managing our endowment funds. This information is available upon request. Also, our Estate Planning Officer, Dave Hutchison, is able to show you a variety of ways you can plan your gift to make an endowment dream come true. You can contact Dave at 760-773-4326, or by email at dhutchison@bettyfordcenter.org.
Lois Wilson Story
By Betsy Farver
On April 15th, the Hallmark Hall of Fame and the Betty Ford Center presented a premier screening of “When Love is not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story,” starring Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper. The invitation-only event was held in Los Angeles at the Directors Guild Theatre. This is the story of the wife of the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous and the impact that her husband’s drinking had on her life. By the time the movie started, there was standing room only in the theatre, attended by many BFC alumni and friends. By the time the movie ended, everyone was deeply moved by this epic story of devotion, recovery and hope. The movie aired for the public on CBS on April 25th.
PRISM Awards Honors Documentary Featuring Mrs. Ford
By Laura Hunt
The 14th Annual PRISM Awards ceremony on April 22, 2010 at the Beverly Hills Hotel recognized the PBS / MacNeil Lehrer Productions documentary, “Betty Ford: The Real Deal” with the award for Biographical Program about former First Lady, Betty Ford.
The PRISM Awards, produced by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and FX Network, honor actors, movies, music, media and television's top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues.
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