Allard USA, Rockaway, New Jersey, has established the DRALLA Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide “support for a better life” for individuals with physical challenges.
The DRALLA Foundation will award financial grants to individuals with physical disabilities so that they may attend educational and/or training programs with their families.
“Examples of financial awards include sponsoring a group’s day activity, recreational or personal growth activities, or [providing] individual support to programs geared to help those with physical challenges to climb their own Mount Everest,” said Jennifer Buehler, DRALLA Foundation grant program administrator. She added that individuals who receive grant awards do not have to be users of Allard USA products.
Grant awards will range in value from $500-5,000, according to an Allard USA press release, and more grant funds could be offered depending upon the project and budget. “The review process will match applications against DRALLA’s life-enhancing objectives,” Allard USA stated.
The foundation has established a review board, which will review grant applications twice annually. Review board members include Beth Deloria, Marc S. Martinez, Candice McLurkin, and Josh Ahlstrom, CPO. Allard USA noted that all of the board members are either directly affected by physical disability or work with individuals who have physical disabilities.
The DRALLA Foundation is the brainchild of Peter Allard, president of Allard USA; Carol Hiemstra-Paez, director of customer satisfaction and general manager for Allard USA; and Deloria.
“I want to give back to this community of those afflicted with physical challenges…,” Allard said. “I have heard the words, ‘You have given me back my life.’ I want to go a step beyond and contribute to programs that help make a true difference in their lives. Our goal is to…[provide] financial support to help people with physical challenges have fun and pursue their dreams.”
Grant applications are being accepted now and will be reviewed in March and September 2011, for awards to be made in April and October 2011, respectively. Buehler said that there may be special cases throughout the year in which additional grants may be awarded.
Applications and guidelines can be requested by writing to the DRALLA Foundation, PO Box 63; Rockaway, New Jersey, 07866-0063. For more information, contact Jennifer Buehler at [email protected]
