Food Allergy Support

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Title: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 04, 2013, 05:23:03 PM

http://foodallergyfoundation.org/contact_us

No names that I see at website so far as humans . . . unless I missed them.

25050 Riding Plaza

Suite 130-135

South Riding, VA 20152

(202) 540-0860

Quote

Copyright 2011 Food Allergy Foundation. All rights reserved. A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. EIN 45-3703018

The Food Allergy Foundation (FAF™)   25050 Riding Plaza, Suite 130-135   South Riding, VA 20152   (202) 540-0860

info@foodallergyfoundation.org    [url=http://www.foodallergyfoundation.org]www.foodallergyfoundation.org[/url]

Is this a splintered portion of FAAN in some way?  Other?  Anyone have reliable info?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 04, 2013, 05:25:48 PM

OK, further sleuthing gets this from Facebook:

Jon Gonzalez:

Quote

Food Allergy Foundation

C.E.O. · Washington, District of Columbia · May 2011 to present

The Food Allergy Foundation (FAF™) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families, individuals and children with food allergies. We are the "louder voice" in the food allergy community focusing our efforts on funding food allergy support groups, education, awareness, advocacy and research across the country and around the globe. We invite you to help us help others...

more on him:

Quote

United States Charity Fundraising

President/CEO · Washington, District of Columbia · Mar 2008 to present

Founded United States Charity Fundraising to address the growing needs of large, medium, small and new charities, non profit organizations, families and individuals across the country in need of financial support from their communities. From Boston to Florida, Dallas to Chicago, to San Francisco and Napa Valley, offering a comprehensive array of services including writing and evaluating foundation, corporate and government grant proposals, assisting local charitable organizations in securing corporate sponsorships and individual donations as well as instituting planned giving programs. Providing on-location and on-line employee and volunteer training and coaching services custom-tailored to meet specific targeted goals. Assisting charities in creating major donor profiles through personalized solicitation. Creating and implementing multi-tiered marketing strategies designed for immediate and lasting impact. Delivering quality consulting and planning tools including Board of Director

and then this:

Quote

Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

Chief Development Officer · Jan 2011 to Jun 2011

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was established in 1991. Anne Muñoz-Furlong founded the organization after her daughter was diagnosed with milk and egg allergy as an infant. She discovered that information vital to raising a child with food allergies was not widely available.
 
FAAN’s membership now stands at approximately 25,000 worldwide and includes families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff, and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. FAAN serves as the communication link between the patient and others.
 
FAAN is funded through membership dues, sale of materials, donations, and grants.
■
FANN LA Gala

Feb 2011 to present
FAAN will be holding its first ever Los Angeles Honors Gala. The gala will be a cocktail attire event and include entertainment and awards. The Master of Ceremonies will be: Frank Dicopoulos, Actor, FAAN Ambassador Who Cares. Entertainment will include performances by: Charice - "Glee" Guest Star, The Backbeats - "The Sing-Off" Finalists, Luke Pilgrim - Singer, Songwriter. Thursday, February 10, 2011, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM, The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 - [url]http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/Calendar?id=100261&view=Detail[/url]

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on February 04, 2013, 06:22:39 PM

The guy who started this foundation used to work for FAAN.

I asked him for financials. He opted not to provide them.

That's all I'm gonna say. Caveat emptor.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on February 04, 2013, 06:23:42 PM

Quote from: booandbrimom on February 04, 2013, 06:22:39 PM

That's all I'm gonna say.

Except to add that he's in the running for a Bitchie Award.  ;D

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on February 04, 2013, 06:37:44 PM

Well.  THAT certainly makes following the money a bigger challenge, now doesn't it?   :bonking: :watch:



What exactly does this organization DO, again?  Other than raise monies, I mean.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: Macabre on February 04, 2013, 07:43:28 PM

Sorry, but if they are a 501(c)(3) their 990s are public. Now their revenue may be less than the threshold ($250k I'm thinking off the top of my head) they don't have to file a 990.

990s can be found through Charity Navigator and Guidestar.

He was FAAN's head Development officer and he is refusing to give financials? That's just dumb. Note: this does not reflect poorly on FARE necessarily.

Okay--found them on Guidestar. No 990, no financials (my NPO'sbarebthere, for example). However, it seems from what you posted it could be newly formed, so they may not have an audited annual financial statement yet (which is what I send someone if they want to see our financials--and an annual report.  But they are on our website, too). 

I do see on Guidestar FAF is required to file a 990. But again it may be too early.

But a louder voice--a good thing in general, yes?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on February 04, 2013, 08:15:22 PM

Suppose that depends on what that louder voice is saying, to be honest.

Some people I'd like to put a muzzle on, quite frankly.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Meredith "I have food allergies so I KNOW that they're mostly made up" Broussard,


Nicholas "Food allergies are caused by parental hysteria" Christakis...



Jonathon "Adrenaline is being vastly overprescribed and it's upsetting and unnecessary" Hourihane...





yeah.  I'm thinking that each and every ONE of them is a Bitchie award winner.  Big time. 

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: Macabre on February 04, 2013, 10:53:51 PM

I read that as a group that doesn't think FAAN was doing enough advocacy work.

Sound familiar? :)

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 05, 2013, 12:03:47 PM

I believe newly founded -- sometime last year (also judging by timeline) -- looks like with the announcement of FAI and FAAN merger he may have been out of job at that point?

SOoooooo . . . I cannot find any "work" or much posting by/about Food Allergy Foundation.

Hmmmm . . .

Thanks, boo, for the "nope-to-financials" tip.   :smooch:


Edited to add:  other related website (there's more -- linkedin was helpful)

http://dccharityevents.com/

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 05, 2013, 12:12:29 PM

And I've also seen this 2/4/2013 mention of him on the web:

Quote

Great to see the leadership of AAFA (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America), KFA (Kids With Food Allergies), FAF (Food Allergy Foundation), and FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education, formerly FAAN) all in a single 2-day trip to DC! Rest assured food allergy community that we have some amazing individuals and organizations working tirelessly on our behalf!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on February 05, 2013, 01:38:09 PM

This is one of the more intriguing things about this organization--

Quote

Our efforts include providing support and emergency financial assistance to families coping with life-threatening food allergies as they struggle with devastating budget issues.

To whatever extent this is true, that DOES make this organization somewhat unique.  It also means that transparency collides with privacy, which is also interesting from a functional legal perspective.

I'm intrigued, however.


(If you check out their website, they DO have a 'donation' mechanism and a specific child/family for whom donations are evidently earmarked, in addition to other fundraising-- apparently this effort is not only for traditional anaphylaxis support, but also for eosinophilic disorders, judging from the description.)

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 05, 2013, 02:10:30 PM

I'll be interested to learn more as the .org ages and paperwork is filed such that it is viewable . . .

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: Macabre on February 05, 2013, 11:43:29 PM

Quote from: CMdeux on February 05, 2013, 01:38:09 PM

This is one of the more intriguing things about this organization--

Quote

Our efforts include providing support and emergency financial assistance to families coping with life-threatening food allergies as they struggle with devastating budget issues.

To whatever extent this is true, that DOES make this organization somewhat unique.  It also means that transparency collides with privacy, which is also interesting from a functional legal perspective.

Not necessarily. No financials of an NPO will give you the minutia of where money was spent.  The 990s will tell you the largest salaries. Aside from that, expenses are in larger categories.  Even in their annual report, these would be lumped under the particular program's expenses. Legitimately so. 

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on February 05, 2013, 11:50:55 PM

Right-- I just meant that this would limit things to that, and probably little more-- at least in that particular budget category.

Many NPO's I've worked with (or been involved with on boards or just as a volunteer) have been significantly more open about their financials than what is required under law.    This is just an instance where it seems clear that anything MORE than to the extent mandated by legal disclosure might violate privacy of recipients.  Sort of like Make-A-Wish.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: twinturbo on February 09, 2013, 02:35:55 PM

What's his LinkedIn say?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 09, 2013, 07:52:48 PM

Quote from: twinturbo on February 09, 2013, 02:35:55 PM

What's his LinkedIn say?

One of the "quotes" I have in 2nd post is from LinkedIn, if I'm recalling . . .

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: gufyduck on February 10, 2013, 12:41:10 AM

Looking through things others have posted on the Food Allergy Foundation facebook page, you can see something by the mother of the child who the "foundation" is seeking donations for.  The child shares a last name with the CEO.  The CEO also does not appear to be the child's father judging by his FB pix.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: twinturbo on February 10, 2013, 05:40:46 AM

My fault I didn't specify. On his full LinkedIn did he have a sensible list of contacts in his network (industry, history)? Did he have any meaningful endorsements from key people for key skills or experience? You can only see those if you're logged into your own profile and the individual has record that you've viewed his profile.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: candyguru on February 10, 2013, 10:25:33 AM

If he says he needs money to build a nut-free ice cream facility, time to run for the hills!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 17, 2013, 07:51:45 PM

 :smooch:  to Candyguru!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: JenniferB on February 24, 2013, 01:53:27 PM

I have been wondering who the people are behind this Foundation for some time. Someone on Twitter (it may have been the FoodAllergyB*) asked some questions and didn't get much info on Twitter. I don't know if she/he received more info privately in email or DM.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: PurpleCat on February 25, 2013, 08:49:44 AM

candyguru - you made me spit coffee!!!!!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on February 25, 2013, 09:48:28 PM

Quote from: JenniferB on February 24, 2013, 01:53:27 PM

Someone on Twitter (it may have been the FoodAllergyB*) asked some questions and didn't get much info on Twitter. I don't know if she/he received more info privately in email or DM.

Nope. Got nothing, other than a "call me for more info."

Of course, I did not ask him if an ice cream factory was planned for the future. Perhaps he would have been more forthcoming.  :paddle:

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: JenniferB on February 27, 2013, 03:03:24 PM

Thank you. Wonder why all the mystery. A couple of weeks ago, whoever tweets for them asked me to call about peanut free baseball (I have a blog just about peanut allergy accommodations at baseball games), but I am not sure why. I'm not sure what to make of it. Hmmm....

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on February 27, 2013, 03:23:59 PM

Quote

Perhaps he would have been more forthcoming. 

Or.... not.

As the case may be, I mean.   ;D   CG, you are crackin' me up. 

It is interesting that the "call me!  Call Me!" thing is a standard thing, though...   :-/  I'm always a bit suspicious of things that HAVE to be said over the phone.  Makes me wonder why.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: candyguru on February 27, 2013, 07:01:06 PM

Quote from: PurpleCat on February 25, 2013, 08:49:44 AM

candyguru - you made me spit coffee!!!!!

ajasfolk & purplecat:  haha  :)  only the "old-timers" will know what I'm talking about  :coolbeans:

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: JenniferB on February 28, 2013, 06:45:09 AM

Yeah, CMDeux, I agree re "call me". These days, if people want to reach you, they will email, especially when writing to a blog. The lack of names on the site also is discomforting. I wouldn't even know who I was calling, if I were to call. lol!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 01, 2013, 01:48:46 PM

Quote from: candyguru on February 27, 2013, 07:01:06 PM

Quote from: PurpleCat on February 25, 2013, 08:49:44 AM

candyguru - you made me spit coffee!!!!!

ajasfolk & purplecat:  haha  :)  only the "old-timers" will know what I'm talking about  :coolbeans:

ROFL! 

Well, I saw this photo/vid in my photobucket today and thought it needed to be in this thread.

Just some levity. 

 ;D

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/tahoequeen/dontlookcoming.gif)

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 05, 2013, 09:45:51 AM

Sure would like some more VERIFIABLE documentation on who this foundation is and HOW monies are being & will be spent:

http://www.foodallergyfoundation.org/events/food_allergy_race

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 05, 2013, 09:55:41 AM

See this FB page --why do I have unsettled feeling about this?

https://www.facebook.com/foodallergyfree

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: candyguru on March 06, 2013, 10:53:09 PM

Always looking for an excuse to post a photo of the nut-free ice cream facility!
 (sorry all... it's been years since I last posted this photo, so I ..... just ..... couldn't ...... resist ..... once ..... again! :P)



(http://www.airfields-freeman.com/TX/GlobeFactory_watertow_02.jpg)
New nut-free ice cream production facility, under development since 2001.   I seem to remember once of our members lives nearby.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on March 06, 2013, 11:09:54 PM

Here... have a soundtrack to go with that double-scoop of nostalgia.  Because there really ought to be clowns.    ;D



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIqx5_w-dnk

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: rebekahc on March 07, 2013, 08:43:57 AM

Quote from: candyguru on March 06, 2013, 10:53:09 PM

I seem to remember once of our members lives nearby.

Yes, yes I do.  :yes: (And no, I don't live in a blighted industrial area  ;) )

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: PurpleCat on March 07, 2013, 12:07:53 PM

candyguru,

Your killing me!!!!  Note to self.....make coffee after visiting FAS, not before!

That photo needs a frame!

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: candyguru on March 07, 2013, 09:43:27 PM

Quote from: rebekahc on March 07, 2013, 08:43:57 AM

Quote from: candyguru on March 06, 2013, 10:53:09 PM

I seem to remember once of our members lives nearby.

Yes, yes I do.  :yes: (And no, I don't live in a blighted industrial area  ;) )

Hi Rebekah,

Yes, I had remembered someone lived in that area, but forgot who it was.  And I am glad to hear you don't live in a run down industrial area  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: candyguru on March 07, 2013, 09:50:32 PM

Quote from: PurpleCat on March 07, 2013, 12:07:53 PM

candyguru,

Your killing me!!!!  Note to self.....make coffee after visiting FAS, not before!

That photo needs a frame!

Hi PurpleCat,

haha :)  And all the new members here must be totally lost at why we are posting pics of an abandoned 'ice cream factory' :P

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 08, 2013, 07:45:37 AM

Make sure you don't miss the "Eva Peron" approach with regard to how to spend the donations:

http://foodallergyfoundation.org/donate/save_michael

"For just $10 a day, YOU can save a child from this horrible, horrible fate."

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: PurpleCat on March 08, 2013, 07:52:15 AM

I have not had my coffee yet!  Hi candyguru!  Hey is there a cow in the background waiting to get in?  See, I need my coffee!


booandbrimom, I am speechless.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: lakeswimr on March 08, 2013, 08:10:36 AM

Wow.  Shouldn't the effort go to getting formula covered by insurance?  I have not ever seen anything like that.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: rebekahc on March 08, 2013, 08:56:06 AM

Quote from: PurpleCat on March 08, 2013, 07:52:15 AM

I have not had my coffee yet!  Hi candyguru!  Hey is there a cow in the background waiting to get in?  See, I need my coffee!


booandbrimom, I am speechless.

LOL!  Actually, the cows are in the field across the street.  It's true.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 08, 2013, 09:39:20 AM

Quote from: booandbrimom on March 08, 2013, 07:45:37 AM

Make sure you don't miss the "Eva Peron" approach with regard to how to spend the donations:

[url]http://foodallergyfoundation.org/donate/save_michael[/url]

"For just $10 a day, YOU can save a child from this horrible, horrible fate."

This is disturbing.


On 2nd thought . . . hmmmmmm . . . maybe the foundation is going to pay for some cure I've not heard of yet?  Or AuviQs for all? 

Where can I sign up to have my kids saved from this horrible, horrible fate?

Lots cheaper than epi co-pay and all other med expenses.

 8-)

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 08, 2013, 09:43:46 AM

Really need more detailed info about this foundation, its founder, its charter, its financials . . .

 :bonking:

Super Sleuth Queens here?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: Macabre on March 08, 2013, 09:54:06 AM

To be fair, for those who have not gone to the website donation page it does not in fact say that. I think Boo was poking fun at their approach. :)

This is so not the approach I would take as a fundraiser. Really not.

In reading the story of Michael (which is far too long for a website and contains spelling errors I would have corrected).

It's great that they have planned giving and other types of giving options, but the donation of cash is an internal type of term and is very oddly listed near the bottom of that menu. An or should have a GIVE NOW button prominently displayed, but when I go to the  Cash  Gifts page I don't see a donation form. I should. I see text that contains a link for a donatiion form. But when I click that, it's clear they screwed up on inserting a link to a form, because it instead creates an email to them. I build pages like this all the time, and I know exactly how this happened, but it's a problem that they don't even look at their website and know this.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 08, 2013, 04:20:57 PM

Quote from: Macabre on March 08, 2013, 09:54:06 AM

To be fair, for those who have not gone to the website donation page it does not in fact say that. I think Boo was poking fun at their approach. :)

This is so not the approach I would take as a fundraiser. Really not.

Yes, I guess there is a place for this in the world, but it seems weird to promote just one kid.

Ajas, I thought this was open knowledge. This guy is the founder of FAF:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jongonzalez

He's a former FAAN employee. Lasted six months! I'm sure there's a story there.

It did not escape my notice that the mother of "Michael" is taking some flack for how scammy her approach seems (not judging whether her situation is true or not...just saying it's weird). I also noticed that both Michael's family and the founder of FAF share a last name.

Coincidence, I'm sure. Ice cream, anyone?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 08, 2013, 05:28:02 PM

This is what Nutricia had to say about the situation:

http://www.neocate.com/about-neocate/neocate-junior-update/

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 08, 2013, 05:57:19 PM

"I am getting a foundation to back me shortly [more information will be posted later] though only 50% of the funds will be available to us if donated to the foundation….that’s just how it works."

http://savelittlemichael.wordpress.com/2012/11/


Well...now we know how it works.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on March 08, 2013, 08:53:35 PM

Whoahhhh... so where is the other 50% going, again?

(Legitimate question that.)

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: Macabre on March 08, 2013, 10:24:27 PM

So I was this evening--before coming back to read this--I was thinking about this. 

Very often when I do a solicitation I tell the story of one person, one client.  I may use a photo (typically a stock photo). I may change a few details. I change the name.  And I'll carry that through in an e-appeal and also web page elements. 

I will say, "Your gift now will help Alex have a bright future."

So I was wondering if they were doing that--but using a real family.

And sometimes, I'll say, "Your gift of $25 will do X." Or "Your gift of $50 will do Y."

Like when you get a solicitation from Habitat for Humanity and it says $10 will buy a box of nails to build the Jones' house."

Well, you know that if you send in $10 they're not heading to Home Depot to buy one box of nails for the Jones' house. It's a tool--and hopefully an honest one, though not one to be taken literally. 

I was wondering if this org was making a (very weak) attempt at that kind of convention. It's obvious they are not good at fund raising, so maybe they just messed this up, too.

But wow--it certainly does look like one family is receiving funds directly.

Hmmmmmm.

You know, when a donor gives to a university--say gives the university a $25K gift to start an endowment fund for a College of Engineering (since it's so top of mind these days) or money to a scholarship fund. That donor cannot specify a student to receive the funds.

This is just so incredibly fishy, because it looks like a nonprofit was created to benefit one family. 

I would  have to do some research to determine exactly what rule is being violated here, but something smells like a rotten fishy.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: lakeswimr on March 09, 2013, 08:16:16 AM

And again, wouldn't they be better off working with FARE to get the laws changed in their state so that insurance would have to cover the formula or working even with current laws and their allergist to get the formula covered?  This must have cost start up money to do.  I would think that money would have been better spent to get formula coverage.  (which is a huge, important issue.)  OK, that's assuming the story is true.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 09, 2013, 08:55:58 AM

Quote from: lakeswimr on March 09, 2013, 08:16:16 AM

And again, wouldn't they be better off working with FARE to get the laws changed in their state so that insurance would have to cover the formula or working even with current laws and their allergist to get the formula covered?  This must have cost start up money to do.  I would think that money would have been better spent to get formula coverage.  (which is a huge, important issue.)  OK, that's assuming the story is true.

The family of this child is saying Nutricia made a change to the formula to which they are not admitting. The child suddenly was unable to tolerate the formula after a label-only change (according to the company). The family is trying to buy up old formula made before the supposed change. They are apparently not insured for the formula, but this goes beyond insurance because they need it all right now.

I really don't know what to think about all of this. The mother says there are 15? other families who are also affected by this. However...we all know from experience that families can be totally convinced of something because of the internet that is also totally wrong. There's a kind of mass hysteria that can happen with all this.

It's possible this little boy had a coincidental change in his condition right at the time the labeling changed. It's possible (I suppose, although I don't see how) that the formula changed and the company either doesn't know it or doesn't want to admit to it. I think that's REALLY unlikely...but then, I tend to support authority. These situations always seems to be a touchstone for whether you support authority or believe The Man is out to get you. It's just easier for some people to believe in a big cover-up conspiracy from this company that's killing kids in order to save money.

I'm really sorry for the family and I believe their child has a real medical issue, but I guess I just don't believe in the connection between the formula change and their son's condition. I also keep hoping this mother will record in her blog what actually happened at the Mayo Clinic. They were apparently trialing the new formula there under controlled conditions, so what was the outcome? If the child is able to actually tolerate the supposedly-new formula, what does that mean with regard to all the previous donations?

I guess I'm just a heartless be-yatch because I don't buy it all. But then...I don't give money to those late night commercials for sad puppies either.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: CMdeux on March 09, 2013, 09:56:37 AM

Mac has summarized pretty much what I thought when I dug around originally on their website.


This is just so incredibly fishy, because it looks like a nonprofit was created to benefit one family. 

Yes.  Though it also appears that this has been obscured somewhat-- as though the foundation is HIDING this somehow.

That's what feels wrong to me about this.  I don't have a problem with local fundraisers for kids who have medical problems that are crushing their family's ability to do anything about them.  I've been involved in some of those change-drives and rummage sale efforts to get organ transplants, surgeries, pay medical bills, etc.  But that is an HONEST and above-board benefit for a single child. 

This just feels... weird.
  It's like it is the one thing, pretending to be the other.  Or something.  And where is the other 50% of the funds going?  ???

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 09, 2013, 02:28:33 PM

Well, I've been looking for just.the.right.song to post in this thread.

Not the best, but a good start:

Young Rascals - How Can I Be Sure (1967)

 :misspeak:

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 09, 2013, 02:31:59 PM

PS -- boo, thanks!

There is limited info on him in page 1 of this thread.   It is all rather odd smelling to me too.

He's hitting Twitter pretty hard -- or at least seemed he was last week anyway.

Lots of begging-for-bucks & promo of the "runs"?

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 12, 2013, 12:02:59 PM

Interim employment info for him from linkedin:

Quote

Director of Ambassador Relations
RdV Vineyards

September 2012 – March 2013 (7 months) Delaplane, VA

RdV Vineyards is a private boutique winery located in Delaplane, VA. We are a fairly new winery – we are currently selling our second vintage – and we are going against the traditional methods of producing and selling wine in Virginia. We are not open to the public and produce roughly 2,000 cases of wine each year.

We produce two Bordeaux-blend wines: Lost Mountain and Rendezvous. Lost Mountain and Rendezvous have been praised for their elegance and finesse, as well as their power and structure. We have been fortunate to have several critics visit us, including Master of Wine Jancis Robinson.

What is an RdV Ambassador? RdV Ambassadors are artists, actors, athletes, investors, politicians, restaurateurs, lawyers, journalists, CEOs and marines. They come from all walks of life and all around the country. They are all renegades who take the lead in their own lives and who enjoy exploring and discovering life’s fines pursuits. Together, they make up an exclusive community of people who believe in reconnecting with the land to produce a wine unlike any before it.

Brand new employment info for him via linkedin:

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Vice President, Interactive Product Development

Gannett Healthcare Group

Public Company; 51-200 employees; GCI; Publishing industry

March 2013 – Present (1 month) Washington D.C. Metro Area

Gannett Healthcare Group (publisher of Nurse.com, Nursing Spectrum, NurseWeek, Today in PT, and Today in OT) is a nursing and healthcare communications company and the largest print and electronic publisher of news and information for registered nurses. Our mission is to enrich the professional lives of nurses and other healthcare professionals and to celebrate their unique contributions to society. Our core products include Nurse.com plus ten regional nursing magazines, an array of award-winning continuing education offerings and more than a dozen annual professional development and nursing specialty guides. Additional products and services include career fairs, web sites and consulting services. Gannett Healthcare Group is headquartered in Hoffman Estates, IL and is a division of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). Gannett is a leading international news and information company that publishes daily newspapers in the United States and the UK, including USA TODAY. The company also owns nearly 1,000 non-daily publications, 23 television stations and hundreds of leading web sites including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the Web.
 

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: JenniferB on March 18, 2013, 09:02:16 PM

Wow. This story gets weirder and weirder! Okay so if he is a "co-founder", who is the other "co-founder"? I note the other new national food allergy non-profits list their staff or board of directors or organizers more openly. I always wonder when I can't figure out WHO an organization or company is...

For some reason, I have a trust problem when I don't know (I mean, be able to identify really) at least who I am dealing with, even if I'm just reading info they put online.

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 18, 2013, 09:16:23 PM

Perhaps the other "co-founder" is the "other" Gonzalez?  I think that's what boo was wondering in earlier post?

The lack of open details and clarity is very unsettling. 

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: booandbrimom on March 19, 2013, 05:50:51 PM

Quote from: ajasfolks2 on March 18, 2013, 09:16:23 PM

Perhaps the other "co-founder" is the "other" Gonzalez?  I think that's what boo was wondering in earlier post?

I hope that really *was* a coincidence! If not, that crosses an ethical line that's hard to defend.

However, the co-founder of this organization is Joyce Ahrens, a mom of an FA daughter and an OT:

http://foodallergyfoundation.org/education/from_a_moms_view

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 19, 2013, 07:24:41 PM

Boo, thanks for that. 

So, along those lines:

http://abington.patch.com/blog_posts/food-allergies-the-test-results-are-positive-da7f1703

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: admin rebekahc on March 19, 2013, 07:38:41 PM

https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/07442452/AnnualReport/212544379.pdf

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 20, 2013, 10:01:31 PM

https://www.facebook.com/dccharity

Putting note here until can find more:  Angie

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 20, 2013, 10:07:03 PM

Event from last fall that was supposedly held.

http://mclean.patch.com/events/food-allergy-ball

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With a portion of the proceeds benefiting Dr. Robert Wood's Food Allergy Research at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Robert Wood

More older events.  Seems to favor golf. 

http://ashburn.patch.com/users/jon-gonzalez-a7d93ce0

Title: Re: Who is "Food Allergy Foundation"
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 22, 2013, 03:41:29 PM

Just putting this here for related reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_non-profit_laws