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  • Together, We Can Make a Difference

      
    Ida Lessman, an amazing 101-year-old, has been receiving anti-VEGF treatment to both eyes for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for more than 10 years. Ms. Lessman started working in her father’s jewelry business during the Great Depression and, thanks to expert care, retained sharp-enough vision to work as a jeweler in the Chicago diamond district until 2015 (when she became limited by mobility — not vision). She selected the diamonds when Dr. MacCumber’s colleague bought an engagement ring.

    FOR MANY PEOPLE, sight is the sense they would most hate to lose. Our donors make it possible for the Academy to deliver best-in-class ophthalmic education and services to protect sight and empower our patients’ lives. Join us by making a gift today. 

    The Foundation can help you meet your charitable giving needs through your support of the Academy and its important mission.

    OUTRIGHT CASH GIFT

    A cash contribution is fully tax deductible as provided by law. You may make a gift by mailing a check to the Foundation or by visiting aao.org/foundation.

    PLEDGES

    Making a pledge commitment allows you to pay your donation over a specified period of time.

    MATCHING GIFTS

    Many employers will match or double their employees’ contributions. Contact your employer’s human resources department for information.

    SECURITIES

    Making a gift of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds or mutual funds) allows you to take a charitable income tax deduction based on its full fair-market value and avoid the capital gains tax that you would have paid if you had sold the securities directly.

    “Educational resources like the ONE Network make it possible for ophthalmologists to more effectively treat patients like Ida. And the Academy helps to increase public awareness of AMD, leading to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.”
    MATHEW W. MACCUMBER, MD, PHD
    CHICAGO, ILL.

    REAL ESTATE

    Gifts of property provide a variety of donor benefits.

    LIFE INSURANCE

    A gift of life insurance can provide a substantial tax deduction. You can either name the Foundation as the irrevocable beneficiary of an existing policy or purchase a new policy on behalf of the Foundation.

    FINANCIAL AND/OR ESTATE PLANNING

    Consider supporting the Academy by making a bequest or other planned gift that best suits your philanthropic objectives. Planned gifts ensure that your giving intentions will continue beyond your lifetime.

    To learn more, visit aao.org/foundation or contact:

    • Tina McGovern, Executive Director, at +1 415.561.8508 or tmcgovern@aao.org 
    • Todd Lyckberg, Director of Development, at +1 415.447.0361 or tlyckberg@aao.org (For corporate support, naming opportunities and planned giving)
    • Karen Duke, Development Manager, at +1 415.447.0356 or kduke@aao.org (For individual donations and the Orbital Gala)
    • John Waldman, Executive Assistant, at +1 415.447.0386 or jwaldman@aao.org