During this time of global pandemic, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation recognizes that the health and happiness of people throughout the world – and many in our community – are in jeopardy.
To help those in our area who have been impacted, whether through loss of employment or lack of access to critical needs, the Foundation launched an internal campaign to support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank during the month of June. The Foundation staff also invited the organization’s Board of Directors and Council (our strategic leadership and goodwill ambassador groups) to join in the campaign.
We began with a goal of raising $10,000, and we are pleased to report that we exceeded that goal, reaching a total of $11,464.
This June effort was a continuation of a voluntary, internal philanthropic campaign among the Foundation team that commenced when the COVID-19 quarantine started. Employees supported some of their favorite nonprofits individually in April and May and decided to pool their resources in June.
“A signature value of every member of the Foundation team is a calling, or a higher purpose – which is to help other people,” said Foundation Chairman Neal F. Kassell, MD. “Feeding hungry people in our community, especially during a time of greater need, aligns perfectly with that core value.”
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s mission is to provide nourishing food to our neighbors in need through vibrant community partnerships and passionate public support. It serves people in 25 counties and 8 cities throughout central and western Virginia.
Because of the current situation, the Food Bank is serving 15 percent more people on average than in 2019 – up to more than 115,000 individuals in May.
“The Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s campaign was extraordinarily successful and is one of the top online fundraisers benefiting this Food Bank, to date,” said Karen Ratzlaff, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “Apparently nothing can stop people coming together to support a common, important cause – not even a pandemic! We’re truly grateful for the team members and supporters of the Foundation and their efforts to support vulnerable community members with access to good food.”
The Foundation team will continue this unified effort in July, with No Kid Hungry as the primary beneficiary.
See local media coverage of the Foundation’s contributions to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank >