Santa Barbara based nonprofit, the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (GSF), was selected as 1 of 25 charities nationwide vying for donations ranging from $125,000 to $1,000,000 through the American Giving Awards, presented by Chase. Voting will take place on Facebook from November 27, 2012 through December 4,, 2012. The results, along with features on all 25 participating charities, will be announced during the American Giving Awards program airing nationwide on NBC on December 8, 2012.
The GSF is dedicated to increasing global awareness of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the #1 genetic killer of young children, accelerating research focused on ending this cruel disease, and supporting families impacted by SMA and other life-altering conditions. The GSF plans to use donations received from Chase to grant life-changing Apple iPads to those with severe disabilities through its Project Mariposa technology grant program.
“We’re unbelievably honored to have been selected by Chase for the American Giving Awards,” said Bill Strong, GSF co-founder. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to raise further awareness of SMA on a broad, national platform and hopefully be a recipient of a large donation from Chase to help us change the lives of those in extremely challenging circumstances, like SMA.”
The iPad is an incredible device for those with severe disabilities assisting with education, independence, and in some cases empowering people to communicate – literally speak – for the first time in their lives. To date, the GSF has granted 100 iPads to those with SMA through its Project Mariposa technology grant program.
“For the typical person an iPad is a nice-to-have luxury item but for people with severe disabilities this $500 device literally changes their life and opens their world,” said Bill Strong. “Through our Project Mariposa grant program we’ve seen firsthand the enormous need and positive impact an iPad has on people with conditions like SMA and we’re excited about significantly expanding that program with funds received from Chase!”
Voting will take place on Facebook from November 27, 2012 through December 4, 2012. To stay up-to-date on the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation in the American Giving Awards, please “Like” their Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/endSMA
To learn more about the American Giving Awards, presented by Chase, please visit the Chase Community Giving Facebook page at http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/
To learn more about SMA and the GSF or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit http://theGSF.org
About Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (GSF) – The GSF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing global awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the #1 genetic killer of young children, accelerating research focused on ending this cruel disease, and supporting families impacted by SMA and other life-altering conditions. The GSF is an all volunteer organization, meaning 100% of your donation goes toward fulfilling our mission. Our motto is NEVER GIVE UP. and the community we serve, while faced with the most extreme challenges, exemplifies the NEVER GIVE UP. spirit in the way they face those obstacles on a daily basis. To learn more about SMA and the GSF, please visit http://theGSF.org