AAMA Streamlines Its Charitable Foundations Fundraising Activities Forgoes Spring Golf

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- A new approach to soliciting industry support for the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation will go into effect with the upcoming Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas. According to a letter sent to American Amusement Machine Association members by AAMCF president David Cohen, the customary golf tournament fundraiser will be supplanted by contributions that entitle the donors to membership in the Honor Roll of AAMCF Sponsors.

Organizing a golf tournament during the annual Amusement Expo has run into the insuperable difficulty of finding enough time for it, explained Cohen, who is chief executive of Firestone Financial LLC (Needham, MA). As the Amusement Expo has evolved, its format has changed, he reminded members: "We have built a valuable series of educational seminars prior to the opening of the exposition, and revised the exposition hours.

"In addition, both the AAMA and AMOA have two full days of committee meetings and board meetings prior to the expo," the AAMCF president continued. "All of this has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of golfers who have been able to commit the time to play in the tournament."

Cohen, a past chairman of AAMA, pointed out that "Our charitable foundation needs to continue to raise funds to support the charities, however, we do not believe that running a golf tournament at Amusement Expo International is a prudent use of time, given all of the other time commitments our members and leaders have during that week." For this reason, there will be no Amusement Expo International Golf Tournament this year. This year's convention and trade show runs from March 15 to 17 in Las Vegas.

"We still need to continue the work of our charity, and we need you to continue to support the work of our foundation," Cohen emphasized. "So we ask that you join our fundraising endeavor and help us raise $25,000 prior to the Amusement Expo International." He urged past sponsors to continue their support by joining the Honor Roll of AAMCF Supporters. Click here to learn more.

"If you have not given in the past, we ask that you consider joining us in meeting our goal," the industry veteran concluded. "Join the Honor Roll with me. Help us continue the great work of the AAMCF and the organizations that we support."

The AAMCF dates back to 1983 and the AAMA's predecessor organization, the Amusement Game Manufacturers Association. To date, donations have been made to Children's Miracle Network (CMN), Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), Give Kids the World, Tomorrow's Children Fund, Boy's and Girl's Clubs of America, U.S. Special Olympics, Always Kids and UNICEF, among other nationally recognized organizations. In 2015, AAMCF donated more than more than $50,000 to children's charities.

A list of the charitable causes supported by AAMCF may be found online by visiting aamacharity.org/our-charities.