Flight Attendants helping Flight Attendants!
Our History
The CAUSE Foundation® was established in 1994 by flight attendants for Flight Attendants. Our mission is to assist United Airlines flight attendants and their families worldwide who are in financial distress due to illness, injury, disability or death. The CAUSE Foundation® helps families maintain their dignity when faced with loss of income or overwhelming medical bills.
The CAUSE Foundation® History 2006 - By fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, over 650 United flight attendants and their families have received grants. Six children of flight attendants who have lost a parent are currently receiving a Berni Schafer Memorial Scholarship. Over $50,000 has been raised for a memorial in Shanksville PA dedicated to the crew members lost on Flight 93. This monument is to be dedicated on September 11, 2006. Funds are raised to benefit Freidrich’s Ataxia research, a fatal disease that has afflicted the children of some of our flying partners. Funds are also granted to Wings Over Wall Street in memory of a United flight attendant who lost her battle with ALS. Total earnings this year: $478,635. 2005 - A slight rebound in numbers of flight attendants is reflected in an increase in payroll contributions. Volunteers continue to raise additional funds through holiday sales, Have a Heart Week and CAUSE For Dinner events in Newark and Chicago. To date, CAUSE has helped over 560 flight attendants and their families with basic necessities during periods of illness or other medical problems. Fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 shows funds raised $507,311. 2004 - Marks 10 years of Incorporation. Since its inception over 500 Flight Attendants and their families have been assisted due to illness, injury, disability and death. This continues to be the Foundations main focus and mission. In addition, Scholarship funds have been raised and disbursed to the families of the Flight Attendants who lost their lives on Septemeber 11, 2001. Scholarships are being granted to children of Flight Attendants who have lost a parent not related to 911. Organizations, which directly impact a Flight Attendant or a member of their family, have received funds which are for research, developement or education. Fiscal year earnings $478,064. Fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. 2003 - Large number of retirements and furloughs at United Airlines impact The CAUSE Foundations® monthly income. Newark's 3rd Annual "CAUSE for Dinner" Fundraiser expands its scope to honor 4 memorial sites dedicated to 911. Fiscal Year earnings $594,262. 2002 - 911 Family Funds are disbursed. Scholarship Funds offered to children of Flight Attendants who perished on September 11,2001. Corporations, Foundations and individuals contribute to our CAUSE becoming our "Best Friends". Chicago debuts "CAUSE for Dinner-Chicago Style". Before years' end United Airlines files for bankruptcy protection. Fiscal year end brings $787,390. 2001 - Berni Schafer Memorial Scholarship Fund is created for children whose Flight Attendant parent or spouse has died. An Advisory Board of Doctors and professionals is established. The CAUSE logo receives its ‘registered mark’ from the trademark and patent office. CAUSE debuts its Website and Newsletter. September 11, 2001 brings with it "the Family Fund". Newark organizes the first annual "CAUSE for Dinner" Fundraiser, to assist the families of the Flight Attendants lost on Flight 93. $594,482 raised in the fiscal year. 2000 - The IRS grants CAUSE permanent non-profit status. New brochures are designed. Fiscal year $512,174.00 1999 - The need for a centralized office and part time staff becomes a reality. In addition to the established payroll deduction plan, CAUSE also participates in the United We Care campaign. Fiscal year raises $477,369.00 1998 - The CAUSE Foundation receives its ‘registered mark’ from the trademark and patent office. Peachtree becomes the computer program of choice. December marks the month that more than $1million has been raised since the inception of the organization. The fiscal year ends with $382,411.00 being raised. 1997 - Meeting with United Airlines Employee Credit Union. CAUSE becomes the Credit Union’s 1st Organizational Account. CAUSE enters into a recycling test period with Dobbs International. CAUSE grants 1st ‘Organizational Grant’. The 2nd fiscal year raises $296,188.00. 1996 - ‘Have a Heart’ Week campaign in February is the first of what would become the traditional fundraising week. The 1st fiscal year raises $130,000.00 1995 - July 5, 1995 The CAUSE Foundation receives its 501 (c) (3) determination letter from the IRS. The first CAUSE Campaign is held in September with the 1st funds transferring into a CAUSE account in November.
1992 - Proposal presented to the Association of Flight Attendants to create a non-profit Foundation to assist United Airlines Flight Attendants and their families in financial distress due to illness, injury, disability or death. CAUSE: Concerned Attendants for a United Support Effort. Receives unanimous approval. |