Arthritis Foundation Names Inaugural Winner of the Floyd B. Odlum Making A Difference Award
Media Contact:
Carol Galbreath
404-965-7595
ATLANTA, Dec. 2, 2009 – The Arthritis Foundation announced the winner of the first Floyd B. Odlum Making a Difference Award, which honors an individual, organization, corporation or government agency that has helped to make a difference in the lives of people and families with arthritis. The recipients, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah Assemblies, received the award on Nov. 20 in Atlanta for their continued generous support of the Arthritis Foundation nationwide.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the country and has raised more than $7 million for the Arthritis Foundation since 1985. Since its founding in 1819, the fraternity has organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. The Odd Fellowship’s three-link symbol represents principles of friendship, love and truth, which its members have shared wholeheartedly through their efforts to support the Arthritis Foundation and arthritis research.
The Floyd B. Odlum Making a Difference Award was established in honor of Floyd B. Odlum, the first chairman of the Arthritis Foundation board of trustees. The award recognizes major contributions and achievements that have advanced the mission of the Arthritis Foundation and honors an individual, organization, corporation or government agency that has helped to make a difference in the lives of people and families with arthritis.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $415 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.
