News

The AALAS Foundation Announces New Poster Series - Biomedical Research Progress

The AALAS Foundation is excited to announce the debut of its Biomedical Research Progress poster series - the newest set in the "We Take Care of Our Animals" poster collection. Thanks to the generosity of Foundation donors, these posters are available to the public at no cost.

Click here to view the posters and order copies today for your next public outreach activity. All posters can be ordered for free from the AALAS Bookstore.

Spring 2013 e-Newsletter Released

The AALAS Foundation recently unveiled our 2013 Spring e-Newsletter. The e-newsletter highlights our 2012 public outreach efforts, recognizes those who contributed to our success, and provides a preview of upcoming projects.

The AALAS Foundation Board Seeks Director-at-Large Candidates

The AALAS Foundation Board is seeking candidates for three Director-at-Large positions to be seated during the AALAS National Meeting this October, 2013, in Baltimore, Maryland. These volunteer positions are open to all AALAS members who wish to support the Foundation and participate in its educational and public outreach efforts. Board members carry out the Foundation's mission of developing resources and programs to help educate the public about the importance of quality laboratory animal care and use to advance human and animal health. Board members work together to:

• Help identify new outreach audiences and participate in the development of materials and programs that support the Foundation's educational and outreach mission.

•Develop, implement and update annual and long-range plans for the AALAS Foundation.

• Establish and support organizational, operational, funding and financial policies.

• Secure adequate funds for AALAS Foundation operations and for its continued development.

• Control and monitor finances and revenue-generating operations.

Visit http://www.aalasfoundation.org/open_positions.html to learn more about position descriptions and qualifications for serving on the AALAS Foundation Board of Directors.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and/or CV, along with a brief statement of their goals as an AALAS Foundation Director-at-Large, to foundation@aalas.org by June 10, 2013.

Foundation Sets National Meeting Fundraising Record

Attendees of the 63rd Annual AALAS National Meeting in Minneapolis displayed their incredible generosity to the Foundation by contributing a record-breaking total of $56,603 to support the Foundation’s public outreach efforts!

Thank you to all the many AALAS members who made contributions at the Foundation Booth, donated items for the Silent and Live Auction, and attended the Charles River Appreciation Reception.

A special thank you goes out to the National Meeting committee members, booth volunteers, and appreciation reception volunteers for their outstanding support of the Foundation.

Silent and Live Auction

The 2012 annual Silent and Live Auction generated a total of $19,354, with the Live Auction posting an astounding $12,346! Thanks, once again, to Brian Ebert for serving as auctioneer. A special thank you goes out to Charles River for sponsoring the Appreciation Reception and Live Auction.

Allentown National Meeting Contribution

Allentown made a generous $10,000 contribution to the Foundation at the National Meeting, bringing the company’s lifetime Foundation contribution total to $70,000.

Lab Products Pledge Contribution

Lab Products presented the Foundation with its annual $10,000 pledge contribution at the National Meeting.

Tecniplast National Meeting Contribution

Tecniplast continued its tradition of contributing $5,000 to the Foundation at the AALAS National Meeting. Tecniplast also contributes $5,000 a year through a 5-year pledge to the Foundation.

First Time Platinum+ Corporate Donors

Newco Distributors and STAPLES were presented corporate appreciation plaques in recognition of their first Platinum level, or higher, Foundation contribution.

Exiting Foundation Board Members

Foundation Board members, Curtis Black, Cindy Buckmaster and Deb Benner, whose terms ended at the conclusion of the National Meeting, were presented plaques in appreciation of their tireless devotion and service to the Foundation.

Bienus, Williams, and Lerza Elected to AALAS 2013 Foundation Board of Directors

The AALAS Foundation is pleased to announce that Dave Bienus, Chandra Williams, and Jim Lerza were elected to director-at-large positions on the 2013 AALAS Foundation board of directors.

The three selected candidates will join the 12-member board for a three-year term that begins at the conclusion of the AALAS National Meeting in Minneapolis and concludes at the close of the 2015 AALAS National Meeting in Phoenix.

Dave Bienus was re-elected to the board of directors. He is currently serving a one-year term as a director-at-large. Dave resides in Philipsburg, PA and works at The Pennsylvania State University as a Research Support Specialist.

Dave previously held the positions of senior research technician at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick and research technician at The Pennsylvania State University. Dave also served in the United States Army as a telecommunications center operator.

Dave is the chair of the Foundation Branch Relations Committee and currently functions as the outreach coordinator with College of Biology at Pennsylvania State University. Dave has also conducted several outreach programs with high school students in his area, and also volunteers at the AREA Program at the AALAS National Meeting.

In addition to his membership in AALAS, Dave serves as the treasurer and membership coordinator of the Central Pennsylvania Branch and is a member of Laboratory Animal Training and Welfare Exchange (LAWTE), Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dr. Chandra Williams is presently the Attending Veterinarian and an adjunct biology professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Chandra previously held positions as a veterinarian within the contract research and pharmaceutical arenas and has served on Institutional Animal Care and Use and Institutional Biosafety Committees.

In addition to being a longtime AALAS member, Chandra has professional affiliations with Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners, Association of Primate Veterinarians, and American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

She has served AALAS on the Awards and National Meeting Program Committees, including Local Arrangements Chair for the National Meeting in 2007 in Charlotte. Chandra also is an active member of the Research Triangle Park Branch, where she’s held several leadership positions, including branch secretary and branch president.

Jim Lerza resides in Harleysville, Pennsylvania and is currently the North American Marketing Director with Tecniplast. In this role, he provides oversight and management of all marketing activities in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

During his tenure at Tecniplast, Jim has also held positions as a marketing manager and product specialist. He was responsible for development and implementation of the Tecniplast Recycling Program as well as Tecniplast Center of Excellence program.

Prior to joining Tecniplast, Jim was employed with Aetna U.S. Healthcare where he served as a Provider Connectivity Lead, Reconciliation Analyst Supervisor, and a Provider Liaison.

Jim is a member of the American Marketing Association and Philadelphia Area Marketing Association, where he earned the Excellence in Corporate Branding Award in 2008.

Foundation Participates in 2nd USA Science and Engineering Festival

The AALAS Foundation partnered with Americans for Medical Progress to participate in the 2nd USA Science and Engineering Festival April 28-29 in Washington, D.C.

At the event, we launched our new Piecing Research Together game, which we built in conjunction with AMP. In the game, booth volunteers ask students a question that highlights how animal research generated treatments for a variety of diseases, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

After the question is asked, students collaboratively put together a puzzle to form a picture of an animal model that represents the correct answer.

The game will be made available in the coming weeks to AALAS branches and affiliate organizations to use at public outreach events.

Foundation Launches Consumer Product Safety Posters

This series of six posters highlights the importance of consumer product safety screening and the vital role laboratory animal science professionals play in caring for animals.

The colorful 11” x 17” posters also illustrate that federal agencies require safety screening for consumer products to ensure they are safe for humans and animals when used as directed.

Posters focus on topics ranging from Child Safety, Pet Health, Cosmetic Safety, Vision Health, Skin Care, and Household Product Safety.

Click on each thumbnail to view the full poster. All posters can be ordered for free from the AALAS Bookstore.

Special thanks to Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Society for Biomedical Research for their contributions to this project.

Winter 2012 Newsletter Released

The Foundation unveiled our 2012 Winter Newsletter. The newsletter highlights our 2011 public outreach efforts, recognizes those who contributed to our success, and provides a preview of upcoming projects.

Foundation Has Successful National Meeting

San Diego served as a beautiful backdrop for the 62nd Annual AALAS National Meeting where attendees generously contributed $47,283 to support the Foundation’s public outreach efforts!

Thank you to all those who participated in the 2nd Annual TotalMRO Golf Outing, the 22nd Annual STERIS 5K Run/Walk, and the Silent and Live Auction.

Special thanks to the many AALAS members who made contributions at the Foundation Booth, donated items for the Silent and Live Auction and attended the Charles River Appreciation Reception.

Silent and Live Auction
The annual Silent and Live Auction generated a total of $17,021, with the Live Auction posting an impressive total of $10,010! Thank you to Brian Ebert for serving as auctioneer. A special thank you goes out to Charles River for sponsoring the Appreciation Reception and Live Auction.

2nd Annual Total MRO Golf Outing
Sixty golfers and 20 sponsors participated in the 2nd Annual TotalMRO Golf Outing at the Vineyard Golf Club in Escondido, which generated a $3,000 donation to the Foundation.

STERIS 5K Run/Walk
The 22nd Annual STERIS 5K Run/Walk broke both their participation and donation records this year! 177 runners and 31 walkers participated in the event this year, resulting in a $6,095 donation to the Foundation.

Allentown Special Event
Allentown made an $8,216 contribution to the Foundation at the National Meeting, bringing the company’s lifetime Foundation contribution total to $60,000.

Tecniplast National Meeting Contribution
Tecniplast continued its tradition of giving $5,000 to the Foundation at the AALAS National Meeting. The company also contributes $5,000 a year through a 5-year pledge to the Foundation.

Bring the AREA Program to Your Neighborhood

Each year, AALAS conducts the Animal Research Education & Awareness (AREA) Program at the AALAS National Meeting to inform high school science students about the importance of quality laboratory animal care and research.

This enlightening and engaging program receives rave reviews from educators because it provides students with the unique opportunity to interact with laboratory animal science professionals and learn how biomedical research is advancing human and animal health.

With the help of Pfizer, the AALAS Foundation is now able to offer complimentary AREA Program resources to help your branch conduct this important program in your community.

Branch AREA Programs
Conducting the AREA program at your next branch or district meeting is a great way to advance students’ understanding, respect, and support for laboratory animal science. It’s also a fun way to make an impact on the lives of young people interested in science and medicine.

The online AREA Program Guide contains complete instructions on how to conduct this tried-and-true program. The guide includes everything you need – from student invitations to PowerPoint presentations – to make this an easy and rewarding experience for your branch members and AREA Program participants.

In addition to the step-by-step guide, AALAS also offers free AREA Program backpacks, notebooks, pens, and Foundation outreach materials.

Program Funding
The AREA Program is a relatively low-cost event. Most branch AREA Program expenditures are limited to lunch for program participants, printing costs, and meeting room expenses.

Some branches chose to recruit sponsors to cover these expenses. Others go the extra mile and reimburse schools for transportation expenses related to the event.

We understand that branch budgets are tight, so we wanted to let you know about two other potential funding sources for your AREA Program, the Ben Cohen Branch Education Fund and the Pfizer Branch AREA Program Fund.

Ben Cohen Branch Education Fund
The Ben Cohen Branch Education Fund supports qualified educational programs offered by AALAS branches. In order to qualify for funding, branches must meet the branch compliance criteria and submit a complete application, including all supplemental documents. Funding cannot be awarded retroactive to an event or program.

The Ben Cohen Branch Education Fund application form outlines the fund details and requirements.

Pfizer Branch AREA Program Fund
Pfizer has also established a Branch AREA Program Fund. A limited number of grants are available to AALAS Branches interested in conducting the AREA program.

For information on how your branch can apply, please contact AALAS Foundation Administrator Vicki Campbell.

Conducting the AREA Program
The strength of laboratory animal science tomorrow depends on improved science preparation of students today. Your branch can contribute to efforts to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s laboratory animal science professionals by conducting the AREA Program.

Please contact the AALAS Foundation office to learn how Foundation staff can help you plan your branch’s AREA Program.

Find Us On Facebook, Twitter

The Foundation now has a presence on Facebook and Twitter. Follow us on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook page for the latest Foundation updates!

Help us recruit more people for our Facebook page by recommending your Facebook friends in the AALAS community “Like” our page.

The AALAS Foundation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AFLAC affinity program.

The program provides AALAS members with the opportunity to purchase any AFLAC insurance policy at a discounted rate. In addition, a portion of the affinity program proceeds will benefit the AALAS Foundation.

Who Can Purchase an AFLAC Policy?
AFLAC offers polices for individual members as well as corporations, groups, and business owners.

What is AFLAC?
AFLAC is the number one provider of voluntary benefits in the United States and Japan. They are a Fortune 200 Company that has been recognized as the most reputable insurance company to do business with.

AFLAC is insurance for daily living and offers an extra measure of financial protection. There is never a rate increase and the cash benefits are paid directly to the policy holders. All of the programs are very affordable and claims are processed within four days of receipt.

For more information, or to apply for an AFLAC policy, please contact Janice and Jackie or visit the AFLAC Affinity Program webpage.

Spring 2011 Newsletter Now Available

The Spring 2011 issue of the AALAS Foundation Newsletter is now available on the Foundation website.

Foundation Sets National Meeting Fundraising Record

Thank you to our generous sponsors who contributed to our success at the AALAS National Meeting.

Charles River
Allentown
Pfizer
Tecniplast
Total MRO
STERIS
Dr. Tom Nolan

The AALAS Foundation is pleased to announce that the fund raising events at the 61st Annual AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta generated a record $55,646 to support the Foundation's public outreach efforts!

Total National Meeting fund raising proceeds increased 29.6% in 2010 thanks to the generous support of AALAS members at events like the Silent and Live Auction, 21st Annual STERIS 5k Run, 4th Annual Allentown Charitable Open House, 2nd Annual Tecniplast Welcome Reception, and the inaugural Total MRO Golf Outing.

Thank you to all those who made a contribution to the Foundation, attended the Charles River Appreciation Reception, and participated in the Silent and Live auction.

A special thank you goes out to the National Meeting committee members, booth volunteers, and appreciation reception volunteers for their outstanding support of the Foundation.

AREA Program Educates, Inspires Students

The Animal Research Education & Awareness (AREA) program celebrated its 16th anniversary in 2010 by hosting 145 teachers and students from three high schools at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Fueled by the passionate financial support of Pfizer and dozens of AALAS volunteers, the AREA Program is a daylong event featuring a discussion about the use of animals in research, a presentation on careers in our industry, and an interactive tour of the exhibit hall led by over 30 AALAS volunteers.

With the help of Pfizer, the AALAS Foundation is developing an AREA program development guide and other resources branches and member institutions can use to conduct the AREA program in their community.

Please contact Foundation Administrator Vicki Campbell if you are interested in conducting an AREA Program at your local branch.

Foundation Seeks Committee Volunteers

Are you passionate about public outreach? Are you looking for a way to utilize your time and talents to advance laboratory animal science?

The AALAS Foundation is seeking volunteers to serve on the Projects Committee, National Meeting Committee, and Branch Relations Committee.

These member-led committees are responsible for developing and distributing outreach resources, organizing events at the National Meeting, and working with AALAS branches to enhance our public outreach efforts.

To learn more about each committee, and find out how you can help, please visit the Committee web page or contact the AALAS Foundation office.

With your help, we can continue to create, promote, and distribute innovative outreach products and programs to advance public understanding, respect, and support for laboratory animal science.

CARE Game Plays Top 1 Millions

Over 1 million games were played in the AALAS Foundation’s Community Animal Research Environment (CARE) environment in our first 15 months online, Whyville reported.

Inside CARE, Whyville citizens play games where they create habitats for animals, take on the role of an animal caretaker, and discover how animal research generated cures and treatments for ailments impacting humans and animals.

These activities stimulate curiosity about laboratory animal science and explain how industry professionals improve the quality of life of people and animals.

Over 25,000 young people viewed online brochures in CARE that link to existing Foundation educational resources like the Kids 4 Research website.

Foundation Offers Free Shipping on AALAS Foundation Orders

Thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters, the AALAS Foundation is now able to provide free shipping on AALAS Bookstore orders of our public outreach materials.

Whether you are a member of the public seeking clear, factual information about the responsible use of animals, or an AALAS member planning to present a public outreach program, the Foundation offers a wealth of outreach resources for different age groups and audiences.

The development and distribution of AALAS Foundation educational materials is made possible by donations from concerned supporters like you! Please visit our Ways to Give page to learn how you can support our public outreach efforts.

Frog DVD Now Available For Free on AALAS Learning Library

The Foundation's newest public outreach project, “Frogs: A Comprehensive Course for High School Students,” is now available for free on the AALAS Learning Library.

Developed by Clemson University professor Dr. Ed Pivorun, the Frogs course teaches high school students about the biology, physiological adaptations, anatomy, evolution, and ecology of frog and toad species in the United States.

Originally produced as an interactive DVD, the course was divided into a beginner and advanced course and posted on the AALAS Learning Library to more cost-efficiently distribute the resource to high school students and teachers.

New Kids 4 Research, Whyville Flyers Available Free on AALAS Learning Library

The Foundation developed three new flyers to promote its growing arsenal of public outreach
resources aimed at students and teachers in 2010.

• Whyville Teachers Flyer: Shows teachers how to incorporate CARE into their lesson plans.
• Kids 4 Research/Whyville Student Flyer: Highlights our two most popular educational resources. Includes a word search of research terms.
• Kids 4 Research/Whyville Teacher Flyer: Promotes the use of the Kids 4 Research website and CARE in the classroom.

Veterinarians Speaking for Research Featured on Foundation Website

Have you ever wondered about animal research: the type of care animals receive, the setting in which research is conducted, or the role animals play in our ability to develop new medical treatments? Clips from Veterinarians Speaking for Research, a video by Americans for Medical Progress, will help answer all these questions and more.

Listen to veterinarians as they discuss their role in the animal research process, take a guided tour through a research facility, and hear how advances made in the laboratory are helping private practice veterinarians provide better care for your pets.

Veterinarians Speaking for Research
Pet Stories
Animal Research Facility Tour

AALAS Foundation Wins ASAE’S Associations Advance America Award of Excellence

The AALAS Foundation is one of only 13 organizations nationally to receive an Award of Excellence in the first round of the 2010 Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program, a competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) & The Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C.

The AALAS Foundation earned the prestigious award for developing the Community Animal Research Environment (CARE), a series of games in the virtual community of Whyville that educates young people how animals help scientists in research – and how research, in turn, benefits animals.

“Whyville is a vibrant, kid-safe website that teaches kids about science in a fun, incredibly engaging manner,” said AALAS Foundation Executive Director Dr. Ann Turner. “Partnering with Whyville enabled us to create three customized, interactive games to explain how biomedical research improves the quality of life of people and animals.”

Turner said it’s important to find innovative ways to keep kids interested in science because the health of biomedical research tomorrow depends on improved science preparation of our students today.

“Research indicates that many students, especially girls, lose interest in science as they transition from elementary school to middle school,” said Turner. “Whyville is a powerful, critically acclaimed tool we are using to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s laboratory animal science professionals.”

Now in its 20th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward – with innovative projects in education, skills training, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service.

“The AALAS Foundation’s program embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society,” said Associations Advance America (AAA) Committee Chair Ping Wei, director of educational opportunities for the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The CARE program is now in the running to receive a Summit Award, ASAE & The Center’s top recognition for association programs, to be presented in ceremonies at AWAE’s 11th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, on September 29.

To learn more about the Community Animal Research Environment, please visit the AALAS Foundation Whyville information page.

Your United Way Donation Can Support the AALAS Foundation—Choose #060730

Would you like your United Way (UW) donation to be used for public outreach and education about the importance of laboratory animal care and use? Wouldn’t we all? If you answered a resounding "yes," you can ensure that your UW contribution will support our mission. If your company or institution supports the UW through an employee giving campaign, just write on the designation form the AALAS Foundation’s United Way number, which is 060730 and the address, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Dr., Memphis, TN 38125-8538 The AALAS Foundation sincerely appreciates your contributions.

Did you know that if you do not designate a specific charity for your donation, you inadvertently could be undermining our profession? Your donations to the local United Way or Combined Federal campaigns could be going to groups opposed to laboratory animal-based research. Both of these umbrella campaigns automatically allocate some of the donations to smaller non-profit organizations and, unfortunately, some of these organizations are opposed to the appropriate use of laboratory animals. The AALAS Foundation is not automatically allocated some of your donation; rather you must designate the Foundation as your intended recipient.

Help us get out your message about quality animal care—don’t give your money to those working against our profession and the advancement of science. And, please pass this message to others at your institution or company who also regularly support the United Way or Combined Federal campaigns through employee giving programs.