ISPA FOUNDATION
MAKING PROGRESS ON PURPOSE
IN THE MID-1800 ’ S , Thomas Carlyle wrote that “ the person without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder .”
Had he been alive in the late 1960s when tax reform in the U . S . introduced “ private foundations ” allowing companies to develop non-profit , charitable branch organizations , Carlyle may have included foundations in his observation about purpose .
As ISPA ’ s 501 ( c )( 3 ) arm , the ISPA Foundation exists to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry . The Foundation ’ s purpose focuses on increasing access to and improving quality of conventional and complementary therapies and treatments . Truly , it is the rudder of the spa industry as it promotes spa services to an international audience . But spa promotion is only one part of the Foundation ’ s tripartite purpose . A century after Carlyle opined about rudderless ships , Robert F . Kennedy commented on purpose as well , asserting that “ the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to make things better .” The Foundation ’ s purpose rises to that aspirational goal by undertaking both the enhancement of public welfare and research into lifestyle and wellbeing .
More recently , Rick Warren — author of The Purpose-Driven Life — has counseled that “ knowing your purpose gives your life meaning , simplicity , focus and motivation ” and “ also prepares you for eternity .”
Please look at your own search for meaning and focus , and ponder where your life purpose aligns with the ISPA Foundation ’ s purpose . Consider ways you might contribute to improving the public welfare , effecting wellbeing research , and promoting spa services by sharing your time and resources with the Foundation . We would love to hear from you as we set up the Foundation for an eternity of progress on our purpose . Reach out to foundation @ ispastaff . com .
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
— FRANK PITSIKALIS , ISPA FOUNDATION CHAIR
THE PURPOSE OF THE ISPA FOUNDATION IS : l
l
To promote the public welfare through the advancement of physical fitness , medical and wellness care , and professional spa services ; To encourage , provide for , and engage in professional study and research related to lifestyle and health enhancement from physical fitness , dietary practices , spa services , and educational programs and scholarship programs ; l To improve the quality and increase the availability of professional spa services , medical and wellness care , conventional and complementary therapies and treatments , and related educational programs .
View the ISPA Foundation ’ s mission , vision , values , objectives and purpose on the Foundation page at experienceISPA . com .
60 PULSE n FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023