Yesterday was a momentous day around here. Way back on November 3, 2011, I announced my intentions to launch a charity that would strive to lesson the financial burden for young people associated with purchasing insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors - I called it the 'Untitled Giving Project'. In the days after my announcement I received cash gifts from my readers totaling almost three-thousand dollars, everyone said the same thing when they sent their gift, "use this money and do your best to make this happen".
There was a lot more to do then I could have imagined and I've encountered a speed bump or two along the way but yesterday we submitted the paperwork necessary to be incorporated by the state of New Jersey! I should hear back in a few days and then it'll be time to submit the 501(c)3 paperwork to the federal government. 501(c)3 grants a charitable status, making the charity a non-profit, tax exempt entity.
The timetable is fluid but my goal is to be granted an incorporation certificate by the end of next week, which will allow me to finally stop saying "Untitled Giving Project" and begin using the charity's intended name, Arden's Day Gives.
A lot of behind the scenes stuff will happen in the months between now and when the 501(c)3 is obtained. I'll be building... building a website, an online following and relationships within the community.
I want you all to know that the gifts you made back in November are being treated as if they were my own money. I shook with responsibility when I wrote the first check to cover legal expenses and have been exceedingly careful to only spend exactly what I've had to. I'm happy to tell you that I've only used about a third of the money that you all gave so generously and the balance should be more then enough to establish a web presence, set up the office and get to the good part... collecting donations that will purchase devices for kids in need.
For now if you could show your support by following Arden's Day Gives on twitter that would be a great beginning for this next step. More details will be coming soon and I'd love for you to be able to follow along as we build this idea, born on my diabetes blog, into a force for good. In the coming days and months we'll be making many announcements... I wish I could tell you who "we" are, I'll be able to soon but let me say this for now. The Board of Trustees is comprised of three people, myself, a wonderful pediatrician and a leader in the Pharma industry. Most importantly my lovely wife Kelly who has almost twenty years of Pharma experience will be the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Arden's Day Gives may have initially been my idea but it would exist without all of you and Kelly's tireless efforts.
I'll be introducing everyone very soon, introducing our logo and so much more... I can't wait to tell you all about it! Imagining, launching and hoping for our charity has been one of the true pleasures of my life.
In the beginning the best way to hear all the details will be by following Arden's Day Gives on twitter. Please follow us and tell your D-Tweeps - @ArdensDayGives
https://twitter.com/ardensdaygives
Update on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 9:27AM by
Scott Benner
'Arden's Day Gives' received corporation status from New Jersey today! Now it's time to file the 501(c)3 paperwork with the federal government. I'm still amazed to see what good can come from a well supported idea, this is an amazing community of wonderful people! I can't wait to take the next step...
Arden's First JDRF Walk 2006
Making Walk Shirts 2008