Today we’d like to introduce you to Laree Hulshoff.
Laree, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2013, Bill Booziotis and I came together to raise money for the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) at UT Dallas, a Dallas-based research center where scientists study the cognitive neuroscience of aging concentrating on Alzheimer’s. While working on this event, I learned how little money is given to Alzheimer’s research in comparison to other deadly diseases. Many of the top ten deadly diseases, like cancer and HIV, are on the decline, but the negative impact of Alzheimer’s is only growing. This motivated me. I became extremely passionate about raising money to fund Alzheimer’s and dementia research. As we’ve grown, AMF has become narrowly focused on raising money to fund research that seeks the cause of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We believe without knowing the cause, it is impossible to find the cure.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have been very fortunate to have incredibly generous partners and donors that support our mission. I would say our biggest challenge has been reaching new people. We consider ourselves to be unique in raising money for Alzheimer’s for two reasons. 1. We are narrowly focused on funding research. 2. We are VERY proud to say that we keep our operating costs at 20% or below year after year. (We are able to do this because of the generosity of Headington’s organization.) This is above and beyond the gold standard as deemed by Charity Navigator. This is very unique in the non-profit world because of the costs of fundraising. This means at AMF your dollar goes further— at least 80% of your donation will go directly to Alzheimer’s and dementia research.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Our mission: The Aging Mind Foundation raises money to fund scientific research that seeks the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our board consists of 28 remarkable people who provide a great deal of creativity and work. In addition to myself, we have two full-time staff members focused on all of the details of fundraising and running a foundation.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is a fantastic place for non-profits. It is an incredibly generous and philanthropic city. If you are considering starting a non-profit in Dallas, however, my advice would be to know what the other non-profits in your area are doing so that you do not replicate an existing organization. Set yourself apart.
Pricing:
- We host several fundraising events throughout the year and have a wide variety of prices and events. Our lectures are free,Brews and Bites tickets start at $75 and Gala tickets start at $5,000
Contact Info:
- Address: 1918 N. Olive Street, #2301
Dallas, Texas 75201 - Website: agingmindfoundation.org
- Phone: 214-520-5928
- Email: amf@agingmindfoundation.org
- Instagram: @agingmindfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agingmindfoundation/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aging_mind
Image Credit:
Lara Bierner
Tamytha Carter
Jill Broussard
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