As you may know, Andrew Biel, LMT, presidnt and owner of Books of Discovery, was recently awarded the Massage Therapy Foundation / Performance Health Humanitarian award. You can read more about him receiving the award here. In honor of National Philanthropy Day, we asked Mr. Biel why he chooses to support the Massage Therapy Foundation year after year. His response is below.

People ask why Books of Discovery donates to the Massage Therapy Foundation. Well, let me tell you a story. When I was a kid I recall my mother writing a donation check for the local Fire and Rescue Teams. Since my parents were having financial spats, I asked her why she had donated. 

She said, “When times are good, we give. And when times are bad, we give.” I didn’t quite understand, so she elaborated. “Right now, times are tough. So we’re not giving as much as before. But we’re still giving.”

“But we’ve never had an accident or a fire. So why should we give at all?” (I was young.)

“Well, knock on wood, I hope we never do need their help. But our neighbors might. Being in a community means helping and supporting each other however possible, whether that be with money, time or expertise. In good times and bad.”

Years later, when MTF board member Diana Thompson called to explain the Foundation’s mission and projects, I suspect that my mother’s words were being dusted off in my mind. When Diana asked if Books of Discovery would consider donating, it was like karma and fate and common sense all wrapped up into one big no-brainer burrito. “Of course, we’ll donate.”

And we’ve continued. Every month we write a check to the Foundation. In good times and bad. But the MTF needs more than just money. Sure, money helps, but time, expertise and a number of other things are equally important. 

My mother didn’t know how to shoot a fire hose or defibrillate a patient. So she gave money and let other people volunteer for those tasks. We’ve all got something to give, and I would encourage you to consider what you could bring to the Foundation.

Previous MTF/PHI Humanitarian Award winners include Angie Patrick (2010) and Robert and Kathie King (2009).

Watch the presentation of the Humanitarian Award to Andrew Biel by Marshall Dahneke:

On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, against the stunning backdrop of Heron Lakes Golf Course, 40 golfers came together for a day of fun and networking to raise funds for the Massage Therapy Foundation. More than $9,500 was raised in sponsorships, entry fees and in-kind gifts that will the Foundation’s efforts in massage research, education, and community service. This inaugural Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) Golf Outing was presented by host sponsor Performance Health, Inc., with transportation sponsored by American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and food and beverages sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

“It was an honor for Performance Health to be the host sponsor of the Massage Therapy Foundation inaugural golf fundraiser. It was great to see the massage profession come together to show their support and awareness of the MTF and it’s mission to advance the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service in such a fun setting,” saidLynda Solien-WolfeLMT, NCTMB, and Director of Clinical Education and Research for Performance Health. “We can’t wait till next year!”

The MTF is grateful to all of their Golf Outing sponsors:

Hole Sponsors
AMTA
AMTA –Massachusetts
AMTA –North Carolina
Books of Discovery
Cranio Cradle
Educated Touch
Education & Training Solutions
Kinesio Taping
Massamio.com
Massage Warehouse
Stress Management Consultants
World Massage Conference
Writing a Blue Streak
Wellx

Benefactor Sponsors
Bon Vital
Massage Magazine

Goodie Bag/Raffle Prize Sponsors
AMTA
Kinesio Taping
Massage Warehouse
Performance Health
PerformTex

Winning Foursomes
1^st Place – Team Stronglite
2^nd Place – Team AMTA
3^rd Place -  Team Massage Envy

Planning is already underway for the Second Annual MTF Golf Outing which will take place Wednesday, October 3, 2012, in Raleigh, North Carolina, in conjunction with the 2012 AMTA National Convention. Look for more details to follow on the MTF website.

Left to Right – MTF Board of Trustees, Cliff Korn, Diana Thompson, Michael Hamm and ABMP President, Les Sweeney.

MTF President Ruth Werner and Performance Health CEO, Marshall Dahneke

About the Massage Therapy Foundation
The Massage Therapy Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 public charity, with a mission to advance the knowledge and practice of massage by supporting scientific research, education, and community service. For more information on the MTF, please visit www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.