ISPA FOUNDATION
IT ’ S AUCTION TIME ... and time for a fun challenge from the ISPA Foundation
THE ISPA FOUNDATION exists to endow the future of the spa industry . Our investments in research and education are substantial : Foundation funds make possible the annual ISPA U . S . Spa Industry Study and Consumer Research initiatives , and we are involved in the development of a full-fledged spa management curriculum for institutions of higher learning . Those programs persist only with steady donor support . In addition to ISPA members who volunteer their time and knowledge to Foundation events , many members graciously offer monetary gifts . You direct contributions to the Foundation ’ s various funds . You make “ check-off ” donations tied to your annual ISPA membership renewal . You purchase ISPA Foundation educational materials .
And every year during ISPA Conference , you refill the Foundation ’ s coffers by taking part in our Silent and Live Auctions . Seeing all the amazing auction lots is always one of everyone ’ s favorite parts of the Conference experience .
For # ISPA2023 , I challenged the ISPA Board to “ 200 percent participation ” in our Auctions : First , to donate the most compelling items , and second , to make sure they arrive in Las Vegas prepared to bid on a stunning inventory of offerings .
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I will issue a similar two-part challenge to all ISPA members : Donate gift baskets , spa experiences , popular consumer gear and one-of-a-kind items to the cause . ( Item donations should be made by April 24 . See experienceispa . com / foundation for donation details .) Then , make sure you participate in both the Silent Auction ( May 1 to 11 on the Handbid mobile app ) and Live Auction ( May 10 in the Expo Hall at Mandalay Bay ). No need to worry about carrying extra baggage on your return trip : Items will be shipped to winning bidders in the few weeks following Conference .
FOUNDATION
ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS CHAIR Frank Pitsikalis Agilysys
DIRECTORS Patrick Huey ISPA Chair
Kelleye Martin ISPA Vice Chair
Lynne McNees ISPA President
ISPA MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent A . Bauer , MD Mayo Clinic
HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta
FOUNDATION UPDATES
— FRANK PITSIKALIS , ISPA FOUNDATION CHAIR
THE ISPA FOUNDATION WAS FOUNDED IN 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry . Recently the Foundation Board has concluded work to modernize our bylaws to ensure we are following best practices as a 501 ( c )( 3 ) organization . The ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship will remain on “ pause ” in 2023 . Created in 2006 and named in honor of Mary Tabacchi PhD , RD , the Scholarship helps students interested in pursuing a career in spa management to achieve their dreams and shape the future of the spa industry . This year , Foundation Board members will evaluate post-Covid goals and establish a timeline for future scholarship applications .
60 PULSE n APRIL 2023