Fundraisers seek industry support

ATLANTA - Fundraising organizers are counting heavily on the HME industry's support in two separate events on Tuesday, Oct. 25. AAHomecare's "Stand Up for Homecare" and MK Battery's "Power For Funding" both aim to get Medtrade attendees to open their wallets for their individual causes.

At AAHomecare's reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maple Point Room in Hall B of the Georgia World Congress Center, President Tyler Wilson will offer an update on the association's grassroots lobbying efforts and progress on the HME advocacy front.

"This reception provides a relaxed setting for supporters to network with other leaders in the HME sector and learn more about the work of the Stand Up for Homecare campaign," said Tilly Gambill, manager of marketing and communications. "This campaign speaks to the value of homecare and works to change the perception of the industry on Capitol Hill. The funds raised support media outreach, competitive bidding data collection, advertising, and grassroots lobbying efforts. "

Anaheim, Calif.-based MK Battery launched Power for Funding in 2010.

"We recognized the tremendous challenges facing our industry and were hoping to set an example so that other stakeholders would step up," said Wayne Merdinger, vice president of business development. "Last year's program simply earmarked a percentage of sales of certain of our products to mobility providers that were then contributed to NCART, NRRTS and AAHomecare."

Power for Funding 2011, is set for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Omni Hotel. Admission tickets will be available through MK Battery, participating sponsors or at the door.

In an effort to generate maximum sponsorship contributions, MK Battery will match funds for the first $50,000 in sponsorships. This is in addition to the $50,000 the company has already committed to underwrite the event for a potential $100,000 contribution, Merdinger said.