Genesis Fund

The Genesis Fund is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds in order to enrich the lives of children affected by birth defects, genetic disorders and intellectual disabilities in the New England area. Their vision is that all children born with physical and genetic challenges receive the care necessary to maximize their potential. Through fundraising events and private and corporate contributions, The Genesis Fund has raised over $26 million for New England children and their families.[1]

History

The Genesis Fund was founded in 1982 by Dr. Murray Feingold in conjunction with The National Birth Defects Center (now The Feingold Center for Children). The first major event held to benefit the Genesis Fund was an evening with legendary dancer, Rudolf Nureyev. A concert by Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti soon followed and later, an unforgettable Gala at Filenes. Subsequently, the John Havlicek Celebrity Fishing Tournament, Welch's/Yaz Legends Golf Tournament, the KISS108 concert, and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon were added as benefit events. A list of their current events can be found on the Events Page [2] of The Genesis Fund’s website.

Dr. Murray Feingold

Founder of The Genesis Fund and The Feingold Center for Children, Dr. Murray Feingold has been a practicing physician for over 50 years. He has held several notable positions, including Chief of the Division of Ambulatory Services and Chief of Genetics and Birth Defects at Boston Floating Hospital for Children, Physician-In-Chief and Director of Genetics at Franciscan Children's Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and is the current Physician-In-Chief of The Feingold Center for Children. Dr. Feingold is well known for his "Medical Minute" segments on CBS Boston WBZ-TV and WBZ (AM) radio, of which he has been Medical Editor for 30 years. He has been honored with awards for his dedication to medical journalism and Clinical Genetics, and is widely known for his involvement with the movement for coordinated care. Dr. Feingold received his Pediatric training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston City Hospital and has been on the faculties of Harvard, Tufts and Boston University Medical Schools.

Mission

The vision of The Genesis Fund is to provide children with multiple disabilities not only expert medical care but also coordinated comprehensive care. Comprehensive care includes making referrals to the best medical specialists, coordinating multiple appointments, organizing therapeutic programs in local communities, and having sufficient time to answer questions that parents have regarding their child’s condition and care. Most of these services are not covered by insurance or third party payers, and they are very costly. To cover these costs the Genesis Fund raises money through special events, corporate giving, and personal donations.

Programs

The Feingold Center for Children

The physicians at the Feingold Center for Children [3] provide diagnosis and treatment for children with birth defects, genetic diseases, and intellectual disabilities. The goal of the Feingold Center for Children is to decrease the necessity of frequent trips to the numerous specialists these children must see. The Center supports 11 satellite clinics throughout the New England area which allow children and families to receive care in their local community. The Center also offers genetic counseling for prospective parents and for persons with a family history of a genetic disease or familial cancer.

The Pregnancy Exposure InfoLine

The Pregnancy Exposure InfoLine (PEIL)[4] was created in 1983 as an auxiliary service to The Feingold Center for Children under the supervision of Dr. Murray Feingold. The PEIL is a free, confidential service that offers evidence-based information about exposures during pregnancy and potential effects to the developing fetus to the general public. The staff of PEIL consists of health educators and physicians who have specialized training in genetics, birth defects and teratology. PEIL is a member of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).[5]

Therapy and the Performing Arts - Cape Cod

Therapy & the Performing Arts – Cape Cod [6] are programs sponsored by The Genesis Fund that allow children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in various arts and recreational activities. In addition to receiving therapeutic benefit from these activities, the children also develop self-confidence and increased motor function. The programs include music, dance, drama, art, horseback riding and more. Classes are taught by certified instructors and therapists.

Fundraising and Events

The Genesis Fund organizes several annual events [7] to raise money for their programs, including:

Family Fun Fest

The first annual Family Fun Fest was held in 2011 at the ForeKicks Indoor and Outdoor Sports Arena in Marlborough, MA. Activities include dodgeball, laser tag, lacrosse, and basketball. Sponsors include local radio stations and sports teams, including the Lowell Spinners. All proceeds benefit The Genesis Fund.

Kiss 108 Concert

For several years Boston radio station Kiss 108 FM has donated tickets to The Genesis Fund for their annual KISS Concert. In 2011 ticket sales raised $40,000 for The Genesis Fund, pushing the total amount raised including previous years over $1 million.

John Havlicek Celebrity Fishing Tournament

Since 1981 The Genesis Fund has worked with Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek and his wife, Beth, to host a three-day fishing and golf tournament on Martha's Vineyard. Over the past 30 years the John Havlicek Celebrity Fishing Tournament [8] has brought in millions of dollars to The Genesis Fund.

On the Field at Fenway Park with Carl Yastrzemski

Previously known as “Yaz Day”, On the Field at Fenway Park with Carl Yastrzemski [9] allows participants to go on the field at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Activities include hitting from home plate, fielding off the Green Monster, and sitting in the Red Sox dugout. Past years have included appearances from former Red Sox players, including Carl Yastrzemski, Jerry Moses, Dick Berardino, and Luis Tiant.

Sponsors and Supporters

The Genesis Fund has several corporate sponsors,[10] including, but not limited to: American Airlines,[11] D'Angelo Sandwiches,[12] Exxon Mobil,[13] Kiss 108 FM,[14] Ocean Spray,[15] and Papa Gino's.[16]

The work of The Genesis Fund is also made possible by its extensive Board of Directors,[17] consisting of media personalities, corporate executives, and sports legends.

References

  1. ↑ The Genesis Fund Website
  2. ↑ The Genesis Fund Events Page
  3. ↑ The Feingold Center for Children
  4. ↑ The Pregnancy Exposure InfoLine
  5. ↑ Organization of Teratology Information Specialists
  6. ↑ Therapy and the Performing Arts - Cape Cod
  7. ↑ The Genesis Fund Events
  8. ↑ John Havlicek Celebrity Fishing Tournament
  9. ↑ On the Field at Fenway Park with Carl Yastrzemski
  10. ↑ The Genesis Fund's Corporate Sponsors
  11. ↑ American Airlines
  12. ↑ D'Angelos Sandwiches
  13. ↑ ExxonMobil Corporation
  14. ↑ Kiss 108 FM
  15. ↑ Ocean Spray
  16. ↑ Papa Gino's
  17. ↑ Board of Directors

External links

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