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Friends:
This is an appeal for your support. President Obama proved that a great deal can be accomplished by engaging people and asking them to do a little.
Nearly 20 years ago, the Black Expo name was associated with the annual consumer products event launched at that time. During that same time, we established a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, Black Expo Community Development Association Inc., to provide education to businesses and youth. In 2006, we established the African-American Health Education Initiative, (AAHEI), to bring education and screenings on health concerns that have plagued our community for years. Specifically, AAHEI provides a proven methodology to educate, assess risk and diagnostically screen individuals and encourage prevention through lifestyle change and/or medical referrals. These programs are initiated in group settings in churches, community centers or any other place where we can bring people together.
Today, our focus is on Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) because of its adverse affect on African-Americans. CMD is characterized by a person having two or more of these risk factors: Hypertension, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol, all diseases which are extremely prevalent among African-Americans. Individuals with CMD are at increased risk for heart attack or stroke yet I’d venture to say 95% of African-Americans have never heard of it. The Cardiometabolic Disease Congress, the professional organization for this disease, states that "the biggest health problem facing the world today is from the combined impact of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and that it is critical that aggressive intervention strategies be employed to prevent and/or delay disease progression." As the only organization educating and screening individuals to determine the presence of CMD, we know our work is extremely valuable because it can help save lives.
Unfortunately because we are not one of the large, highly connected organizations with long histories, our ability to obtain grant funding has been limited. And, without funds, we are unable to continue our work and reach those who need to be informed and screened for CMD.
So, I am bringing this appeal directly to you to ask for help. We saw with President Obama’s campaign the impact that a lot of people can have when they give a little. So please help us continue our work and give what you can. You can go directly to our website http://www.blackexpocommdev.org/donate.html where you can make a donation safely. You’ll also be able to read more about our work.
One more thing. Please send this appeal to your colleagues, family and friends. And, if you know anyone in a corporation, foundation, government or pharmaceutical company that has funding responsibilities or who can direct us to someone in their organization that does, please send this email to them; perhaps they'll give us a call to discuss how they can support our work. Undertaking this cause has required sacrifices and hard work, but, honestly, I truly believe it's worth it. So not unlike the strategy that proved beneficial for President Obama, working together we can achieve much.
Thanks for taking the time to read this letter; I truly appreciate whatever support you provide. Each donation will help us bring Cardiometabolic Disease awareness, education and screenings to a community greatly underserved and greatly in need of information that can save their lives. There are many things that need CHANGE not the least of which is the need to change how many of us treat our bodies!! Continue to visit our Website to keep updated on our work.
And remember, we are a 501 c(3), so your donation is tax deductible.
Sincerest Regards,
Suzanne F. Stantley
CEO, Black Expo Community Development Association Inc.
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