MySweetCharity.com: Arthritis Foundation South Central Region Adds New VP’s

The South Central Region of the Arthritis Foundation has just added two new vice presidents to their team.

Karla Baldelli Former American Heart Association National director of Philanthropic Giving Society Karla Baldelli has been named the Arthritis Foundation SCR’s Senior Vice President of Development. Her position is new “for the region with a primary focus to significantly expand revenue development efforts and increase overall results.”

Decobia (Cobi) Gray The other new exec is Decobia (“Cobi”) Gray, who will be Regional Vice President of External Relations. Formerly executive director of the strategic fundraising consulting firm CCS, she will “oversee the grants and giving, as well as the marketing and communications functions of the South Central Region.”

According to Arthritis Foundation SCR CEO Susan Carter, “To meet the increasing needs of the people we serve in our region, and to position our organization for growth and sustainability to address those needs, it was imperative that we hire the best and the brightest in mission delivery and fundraising. Karla and Cobi’s extensive background in the non-profit sector and their expertise in fundraising and donor communications will be catalytic in our ability to provide support to those living with arthritis.”

Read the full story at MySweetCharity.com here.

Oklahoma Tribute to Excellence to Take Place May 2

The annual Tribute to Excellence Dinner will be honoring two Oklahomans this year. Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation and Ms. Danya Impson. The award is presented each year for the honorees’ commitment to the community and for their support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to be the leader in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. The funds raised through this event will help us conduct research to find a cure, provide public/health/educational programs for those who have the disease, and continue our advocacy efforts.

Governor Anoatubby has distinguished himself as a true leader of the business community in Oklahoma. The impressive list of accomplishments with local and national organizations is a testament to his commitment to excellence. He is truly worthy of this honor.

Danya Impson, is a nine-year old with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Her positive attitude and excitement for life has not let the arthritis slow her down. She loves to play softball, sing and dance. Reading and spelling are her favorite subjects. She hopes people will learn that kids can get arthritis too.

For tickets, sponsorship or donations, please contact Sherri O'Neil, by April 26. 405/936-3366, soneil@arthritis.org.May 2, 2013, 6:30 pm. Skirvin Hilton, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Camp J.A.M. Set for June 23-29

The Arthritis Foundation is looking for lords and ladies, ages 6-17, who have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, to come have fun as we explore a world from long ago. Our medieval adventure takes place at one of Oklahoma's best summer camp facilities - Camp Classen near Davis, OK. The camp can accommodate children/teens with disabilities and is designed to bring children and teens with rheumatic diseases together so they can have the opportunity to explore common problems by sharing experiences and solutions. To sign-up, complete a registration form here. Mail the completed form and a $25 deposit check to: Arthritis Foundation Oklahoma, 710 W. Wilshire Creek Boulevard, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Questions? Call 1-800-627-5486. Camp J.A.M. (Juvenile Arthritis and Me!) is FREE for participants thanks to generous contributions, but a $25 deposit is required to hold a reservation. Upon check-in, the deposit check will be returned. Space is limited, so make your reservation today.

Take action for a world free of arthritis pain

It's hard to believe there are families whose only wish is for their young child, adolescent, mother or father, sister or brother to wake up without the debilitating pain of arthritis. Whether it’s juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, or one of the other hundred forms of arthritis, people are living in pain.

We desperately need your help now. Like so many nonprofit organizations in this economy, contributions have declined, which has severely impacted our ability to address the increasing needs of people suffering from arthritis in communities throughout the South Central Region. 

Please donate here so that we can continue to provide: 

• Life-altering programs to teach people how to minimize and manage their pain
• Camps for kids with arthritis to learn how to live life without feeling different 
• Parent support networks addressing issues unique to raising a chronically ill child
• Resources and navigation services for newly diagnosed patients frozen in fear
• Ensuring everyone diagnosed has access to care and proper medication 
• Research investments to prevent, control and cure pain and disfigurement from arthritis