In 1997, as part of a
community-wide celebration to honor member Annie Forts, the
Moultonboro Lions Club decided to help Ann realize her dream
to start a new fund to assist and encourage young people
with Down Syndrome. The fund was incorporated in NH as The
Annie Forts "UP" Syndrome Fund, Inc. and approved
by IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable fund. $50,000
was raised at the celebration.
Over $300,000 has been
received in donations to date towards Ann's ultimate goal of
$1,000,000. Only interest earned is used to provide
enrichment opportunities to persons with Down Syndrome and to help
support individuals interested in pursuing a career in Special
Education. Since the fund was started in 1997, the awards committee for
Annie's Fund has issued financial awards
totaling $115,000.
February
27, 2002 - Washington, DC
Annie was awarded the
Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award from the
American Association of People with Disabilities. Annie was
one of seven recipients chosen from more than 400 nominees.
