Are donations to The Kara Find tax deductible?
Yes. The Kara Fund is a 501(c)3 public charity as recognized by the IRS on September 11, 2012.
Does the money donated go directly to help families?
Yes. The Kara Fund is a completely volunteer organization. Nearly all of the funds we receive go directly to the families we serve; some of the money has to be used for expenses like accounting, legal services and marketing, but we try to keep these costs at less than 7% of the funds received. Our overhead is very low.
How long have you been helping families?
The Kara Fund was informally established right after our daughter Kara passed away in January 2010. In lieu of flowers at her services, we asked for donations to help us provide a blanket warmer to the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, where Kara had spent some time being cared for. With the tremendous outpouring of community support we received, we were able to purchase the blanket warmer as well as computers, gas cards, meal cards, books linens, stickers, colorful Band-Aids and other comfort goods to the children in that wing of the hospital and their families.
How do you identify families to help?
Our strategic partners help us identify the children and families we can help. Partners that help us match our resources to children with serious illnesses and their families are: Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Crouse Hospital, Nascentia Health (formerly Visiting Nurse Association of CNY), CHOICES palliative care group, CompassionNet, and others. These groups are in the best position to understand the children and families that we can help the most.
How did you decide which kinds of items to donate?
Based on our personal experience with our daughter Kara’s illness, we know the particular stresses and expenses these families face, so we understand the kinds of things they need to help them in this situation.
In addition to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, who do you currently support?
We started working with UGCH and have expanded to work with Crouse Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association of CNY. In all cases, however, we provide comfort goods to seriously ill children and their families.
What is the mission of The Kara Fund?
The Kara Fund strives to enhance the quality of life of children with life-threatening diseases, and their families, by providing material goods and services that offer physical and emotional support for them in their time of distress.
Can I give gifts other than money to The Kara Fund?
Yes, depending on the item. Please contact Mark MacDougall (MarkM@thekarafund.org) for more information.
Is there an age limit on the children you help?
We have limited ourselves to helping pediatric patients, which can mean anywhere from newborns to about 21 years old.