Positive Ethics: Active Pursuit of the High Ground - Louisiana Dental ...
Positive Ethics: Active Pursuit of the High Ground - Louisiana Dental ...
Positive Ethics: Active Pursuit of the High Ground - Louisiana Dental ...
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LDA<br />
foundation<br />
Dr. Tom Price<br />
President, LDA Foundation<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Beginning…<br />
The <strong>Louisiana</strong> <strong>Dental</strong> Association has long been<br />
associated with three Trusts: <strong>the</strong> Relief, <strong>the</strong><br />
C.E. Hebert and <strong>the</strong> Assistance funds. Each was<br />
independent, with separate bylaws and boards, with<br />
monies that could only be used exclusively within <strong>the</strong><br />
parameters <strong>of</strong> each fund. In 2005, <strong>the</strong> LDA House <strong>of</strong><br />
Delegates passed a resolution to create a foundation,<br />
with bylaws, which would encompass all three existing<br />
funds and seek to expand charitable opportunities.<br />
This was contingent upon receiving a positive private<br />
letter ruling from <strong>the</strong> IRS for this plan. The appropriate<br />
documents were filed and <strong>the</strong> wait began.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> past three years, <strong>the</strong> LDA attorneys have<br />
been sending inquiries <strong>of</strong> status to <strong>the</strong> IRS twice a<br />
month. In addition, numerous U.S. Congressmen have<br />
written letters to <strong>the</strong> IRS on our behalf. Finally, I am<br />
proud to report that we have received this private letter<br />
ruling, and we have a foundation!<br />
The LDA Foundation is <strong>the</strong> charitable arm <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Association. The mission statement for <strong>the</strong> Foundation<br />
will be to enhance <strong>the</strong> oral health <strong>of</strong> our State by<br />
providing funding for clinical research, education,<br />
scholarships and access-to-care programs, as well as<br />
providing financial assistance to dental pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir families who are in need.<br />
The board <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Foundation has already begun<br />
working to expand <strong>the</strong> current parameters <strong>of</strong> charitable<br />
giving. On <strong>the</strong> horizon are projects that will help<br />
support Give Kids A Smile Day and <strong>the</strong> LSU School <strong>of</strong><br />
Dentistry. A named endowment program will soon be<br />
available so that LDA members may create a permanent<br />
named legacy within <strong>the</strong> Foundation. A plaque at <strong>the</strong><br />
LDA <strong>of</strong>fice will contain <strong>the</strong> names <strong>of</strong> those participating.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> past three years, and four hurricanes,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Foundation has granted more than $400K to<br />
dentists and <strong>the</strong>ir families who were devastated by<br />
<strong>the</strong>se storms. As you might imagine, this has depleted<br />
resources for future aid. The Foundation is asking<br />
all LDA members to make a tax-deductible gift to<br />
replenish <strong>the</strong>se resources. On <strong>the</strong> opposing page <strong>of</strong> this<br />
Journal is a contribution form for your convenience.<br />
Please take a moment and be generous with your gift.<br />
You can also donate online anytime by visiting <strong>the</strong><br />
LDA Web site at www.ladental.org.<br />
The future work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Foundation is boundless.<br />
With your help, we can touch so many lives in our<br />
communities and in our pr<strong>of</strong>ession. As always, please<br />
do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Let’s<br />
all pitch in to make <strong>the</strong> Foundation a source <strong>of</strong> pride<br />
in our association.<br />
26 LDA Journal