Special THANKS to Ambassadors Who Helped at the AAEP Foundation Booth in Las Vegas

Ambassador Update – Winter 2016

Special ‘THANKS’ to Ambassadors who helped at the AAEP Foundation Booth in Las Vegas

The AAEP Foundation booth in the trade show at the Las Vegas convention provided an opportunity for Ambassadors to represent the Foundation and answer questions from AAEP members. Thanks to all who volunteered time to assist!

Nearly 7,400 veterinary professionals, students, exhibitors and guests converged on Las Vegas in early December for the AAEP’s 61st Annual Convention. Combined proceeds from the AAEP Foundation’s benefit golf tournament, live and silent auctions, special gifts and donations at the Foundation booth raised $91,350 in support of the Foundation’s mission to improve the welfare of the horse.

Foundation Lunch highlights ideas for financial plans

Ambassadors attending the 2015 Foundation Lunch on Monday at the convention heard from John A Chalk, Jr., partner in the firm Chalk, Cullum and Associates. He shared his insights on tax issues, upcoming legislation possibilities, as well as estate and financial planning options. He has worked with a number of veterinarians and businesses and we appreciate his willingness to bring that expertise to this forum.

One of the topics he touched upon was using IRA distributions as an option for giving to the Foundation. Since that time, passage of H.R 2029 made permanent the IRA distribution giving provision. This only applies to donors age 70.5 and older but it allows a donor to directly transfer up to $100,000 to any 501(c)(3) public charity(s) in a given calendar year and, if done properly, the gift will not be treated as a taxable withdrawal to the donor. Especially valuable for NON-ITEMIZERS, this allows for the avoidance of income tax on the required minimum distribution from IRAs. For more information, visit and click the “How to Help” tab. Select “Planned Giving” from the menu and see our page called “Discover the Benefits of Giving Wisely.” Qualifications, benefits and answers to questions about this option are highlighted there.

On the ‘Planned Giving’ page of the Foundation website, we will be adding and updating information on any new tax law provisions that impact charitable giving for you and your family members. These pages also include helpful articles and calculators for your use. If you need assistance with this or would like hard copies, contact Jodie Bingham at: 859-233-0147 or 800-443-0177 (inside the US) - Email:

Mission of the AAEP Foundation - to serve as the charitable arm of the AAEP to improve the welfare of the horse.

Phone: 859-233-0147 or 800-443-0177 (inside the US) - Email:

Your support helps!

Ambassadors can assist in many ways. Your outreach to associates, friends and clients provides opportunities for easy endorsements for the Foundation. Whether you are on the road, in the office or ‘online’, we can provide you with tools to help spread the word about the good work supported by the AAEP Foundation.

For more information, contact Jodie Bingham at: 859-233-0147 or 800-443-0177 (inside the US) - Email:

New April 1 Deadline for 2016 grant applications for AAEP Foundation funding consideration

New grant requests - which reflect the mission of the Foundation - are now being accepted for 2016. To be considered in this year’s grant cycle, the completed applications must be received by April 1 (rather than May 1 - as in prior years) and come from a recognized non-profit organization. They must include support from an AAEP member veterinarian. The form and instructions can be found online at or by calling the AAEP office.

Priority will be given to those requests that have the most impact on the health and welfare of the horse on a national and international scope. The guidelines found on the Web site will help applicants determine if a project fits well with the Foundation’s goals. This year, the Council will convene in July to consider the grant applications.

New members on the Foundation Advisory Council in 2016 include Drs. Monty McInturff, Ernie Martinez, Lisa Metcalf & Anthony Blikslager. The Foundation extends deep appreciation to Duncan Alexander, Dr. Karen Jackman & Dr. John Wesley Williams whose terms on the Council ended in 2015.

Foundation fundraising update on the 2015 fiscal year

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Foundation’s fund-raising efforts in 2015!

In 2015 over 320 veterinarians added gifts to the Foundation when they renewed their AAEP memberships. Nearly $20,000 in contributions were received by the AAEP Foundation through this option.

Another way veterinarians and practices participate is through the Foundation’s Equine Memorial Program. Gifts to last year’s Equine Memorial Program came from 232 donors with almost $65,000 coming in from those memorials. This program enjoys a matching challenge provided by Zoetis designed for veterinarians and their clients to remember a fallen horse. (But don’t forget, memorials can also be tributes to individuals who have passed.)

With the help of these donors and sponsors, the AAEP Foundation was able to provide over $350,000 in funding for 26 organizations last year. This brings our funding total since the Foundation’s inception in 1994 to $3.3 million. Grants awarded in 2016 from the AAEP Foundation included funding for research, educational programs for veterinarians as well as veterinarian students and youth interested in careers in the horse industry, scholarships, seminars, workshops, and Equitarian mission trips to help working equids and their caregivers.