Celebrating 10 years of caring!!

Mission Statement
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.

All contributions made will assist United Airlines Flight Attendants and their families throughout our CAUSE worldwide system. Contributions to assist us with offsetting our operating expenses are greatly appreciated.

The CAUSE Foundation® History

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.


1994 - The CAUSE Foundation incorporates in Cook County, Illinois October 28, 1994. The CAUSE logo is designed.


1993 - Proposal presented to United Airlines. A feasibility study begins.

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.