News

Giving Back: Learn what your money can buy

BY Heidi Floyd, former Foundation Development Ambassador

Fort Wayne, Indiana (June 22, 2009) — Contributions from individuals like you and me are often the lifeblood of charities. While charities do receive government support, even cancer research relies heavily on the private sector.

In this ever changing world, many struggle with economic difficulties, and philanthropy must, at times, take a backseat to other things. Or must it?

As I travel to different fundraising events, I am so frequently asked about donation size. Really, the only donations that count are over $1,000, right? And even that is small to most non-profit groups, too small to make a difference. I took this question to the researchers and physicians at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis to get an answer. What I learned might encourage you to throw in your two cents!

For the cost of…
A piece of paper
Cancer researchers can buy…
$.02 microcentrifuge tube (.05 mL

For the cost of… A stick of gum $.09
Cancer researchers can buy…
microscope slide (3"x2")

For the cost of…
A pastry $2
Cancer researchers can buy… slide mounting fluid for microscopes (.5 oz jar)

For the cost of…
A tall latte $2.50
Cancer researchers can buy…
petri dish (150 mm)

For the cost of…
A takeout lunch for two $15
Cancer researchers can buy…
microscope replacement bulb (6 volt)

For the cost of…
A pair of jeans $75
Cancer researchers can buy…
80 specimen cryo-preserver (-80° freezer)

For the cost of…
A fancy pair of sunglasses $160
Cancer researchers can buy…
tissue floating bath

For the cost of…
A pair of designer sandals $250
Cancer researchers can buy…
ultra lab centrifuge (8 tube)

For the cost of…
A 32" plasma TV $600
Cancer researchers can buy…
microinjector system (analog)

For the cost of…
A new 4-door sedan $11,000
Cancer researchers can buy…
upright compound epi-flourescence microscope

The funds you donate to Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer currently support the salaries of the clinicians and researchers and not this kind of equipment. We thought it would still be helpful to show additional expenses associated with equipment and daily supplies needed to conduct cancer research.