WEVA Videographers In Distress Fund Distributes Thousands In Direct Financial Aid
November 12, 2005
Sarasota, FL - The Videographers In Distress (VID) Fund, established as a 501(c)3 charitable relief fund by the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA) in the aftermath of Katrina, has already raised approximately $30,000 to aid videographers affected by the disaster, according to the five-member WEVA Disaster Response Committee (DRC), and the regionally renown Foundation for the Mid South (FMS), which is administering the fund.
FMS reports the WEVA VID Fund has already distributed thousands of dollars in direct financial aid to professional videographers (WEVA members and non-members) in the Gulf Coast region who have applied for assistance.
“The FMS staff has been fantastic. Their knowledge, efficiency, and pure motivational spirit, has enabled our Committee to make outstanding progress in a short amount of time,” said WEVA DRC Chairman Tim Sudall.
“As a result, our fellow videographers affected by the disaster have been able to receive immediate and substantial financial assistance that otherwise would not have been possible. There is still much work that needs to be done, of course, but the progress to date shows that donations to the VID Fund have been able to have a direct and significant impact,” said Sudall.
To help raise money for the VID Fund, manufacturers and industry suppliers have begun making in-kind donations of products that will be auctioned over the Internet by the WEVA DRC. “Adobe has just donated several units of their Adobe Video Collection ($999 ea.) for the upcoming auction, and we are very grateful for their generous support,” said WEVA DRC member Brooke Rudnick.
“Since the VID Fund is an IRS 501(c)3 charitable relief fund, contributors of in-kind donations may receive tax credit for the full amount of the retail value of their donated products,” said Elizabeth Brister, Development Director of the Foundation for the Mid South.
To donate products for the upcoming auction, contributors may contact Rudnick by emailing to her in care of the WEVA Disaster Response Committee at: [email protected]
Financial contributions, also fully tax deductible, can be made directly online (a tax receipt is issued instantly) by clicking on the WEVA VID Fund on the FMS website at http://www.fndmidsouth.org/WEVA_fund.htm
“Thanks to the FMS, donating online to the VID Fund is a very quick and simple process. Contributions can also be sent by check,” said Sudall.
To apply for direct financial assistance from the VID Fund, or to learn more about the work of the WEVA DRC’s Disaster Response Initiative (DRI), visit the special DRI section of the WEVA website at www.weva.com/dri
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Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA), is the largest trade association for professional wedding and event videographers, and is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers worldwide through continuing education, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees and professional development training. For more information regarding professional videography and WEVA International activities and membership, including Wedding & Event Video Expo 2006 contact the association office at 941-923-5334 or email: [email protected]
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