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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

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