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Iranian Jewish Life in Los Angeles: Past and Present

Saba Soomekh, Author

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The Neuromuscular Disease Foundation: Fundraising

How does the organization raise money?

The Neuromuscular Disease Foundation (NDF) relies on grants offered by corporations, companies, families, individuals, or any supporter of this cause. The organization holds many fundraisers throughout the year as well as one main one. On Thursday November 2014, NDF had their grand fundraiser, also known as the NDF Black and White Ball, located at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

What are the fundraisers like?

At fundraisers, speakers such as Heidi Bendetson and Stacy Sharf address the issue of what the HIBM disease is and how to raise awareness and encourage screening. Furthermore, supporters are asked to donate. At the 2014 NDF Black and White Ball, chair Dr. Sheila Yafai Bolour stated to her audience, “your community needs your help in finding a cure for HIBM. Your donations will fund innovative research to help eradicate HIBM for today’s patients and future generations. It will also provide your organization with an excellent opportunity to gain exposure within the community and expand your clientele. Last year’s gala was a sold-out event and over 600 NDF supporters participated in making the evening a huge success.” Donor forms were circulated at the event, allowing attendees to pledge funds to the non-profit organization.

How do you advertise?
In order for this organization to be successful, spreading awareness is essential. This can be done through Facebook, Twitter, postcards, Internet advertisements, and most importantly by word of mouth. Gaining adherents is an essential priority for NDF. Supporters can raise awareness in other social circles, which can cause a domino effect. “People need to talk about it, people need to know about it, Rabbis must talk to people about it, in addition to parents” (Carolyn Becher). Personal relationships are the best way to spread awareness within the Iranian Jewish community in Los Angeles, as word of mouth spreads relatively fast. Members of this community must take control and be proactive in spreading the word. Although disease is a taboo subject for many in the Iranian Jewish community, this is a crucial undertaking in order to improve lives in the present and the future.
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