When it Comes to Fundraising to Support Students: AGS Committee members Moore and Stefannaci say "Just Do It!"

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of AGS committee members Irene Moore, MSW, AGSF and Richard Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, CMD, AGSF among others - who support the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Student Researcher Fund - medical students are able to attend and present their research at the American Geriatrics Society's Annual Scientific Meeting, each year.

"I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity during my geriatric fellowship to attend my first AGS meeting" says Stefanacci. "Providing an opportunity to young geriatricians and other geriatric health professionals is vital to growing the ranks of knowledgeable, caring geriatric providers."

Together, Moore and Stefanacci have raised roughly $8,000 for the fund, which helps defray travel expenses for students who have been accepted to present their research during the meeting. Moore created a flyer, accompanied by a hand-written note, which she sent to former colleagues and geriatric medicine fellows, asking for contributions. Stefanacci reached out to colleagues he worked with in areas of improving geriatric care. "I was struck when I asked an alumna why he was supporting another institution and he said, "Because they asked,"" says Stefanacci. "It really is amazing but all it takes is personally asking and people will open up their heart and wallets to a good cause - and the AGS Student Researcher Fund is certainly a good cause."

Each year, AGS accepts more than 100 student abstracts for presentation in the meetings' general poster and paper sessions as well as a special student poster session. Helping student researchers attend the meeting, present their findings and meet professionals in the field both raises their awareness of the importance of understanding older adults' unique healthcare needs and gives them a sense of what an exciting and rewarding field geriatrics is.

"I believe it is my duty to make the profession of aging look appealing, especially to the youngest learners possible," says Moore, who attended her first AGS Annual Scientific Meeting more than 30 years ago. Moore asks contacts if they would like to buy an "Evening with Friends" ticket to sponsor one of their learners attending the AGS meeting, which has been a successful approach. EWF - a perennial annual meeting favorite - provides a wonderful opportunity to socialize with colleagues who care about geriatric care. "Any opportunity to network with like-minded professionals is highly valuable," says Moore.

What are Moore and Stefanacci’s words of wisdom for successful fundraising? Both agree, “Like the Nike ad - Just Do It!” Stefanacci describes, “It takes less than an hour. Take the AGS form letter, rework it into your own, and send it out to a dozen associates. They are just waiting to be personally asked to open up their wallets to your good cause.” Moore wishes to send all of the donors another, “thank-you”.

For information on the 2007 event and how to support the Student Researcher Fund, please visit http://www.healthinaging.org/about/events/evening_with_friends2007.php. There, you will be able to learn more about the students you can support, purchase tickets or make a donation. If you have any questions, or would like any further information, please contact Marianna Racz (mracz@americangeriatrics.org).