From: Gluten Intolerance Group [mailto:gig@gluten.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:15 PM
To: Barfield, Betty
Subject: Support for Gluten Intolerance Group

Helping Hands for Healthy Gluten Free Living is the motto by which the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America® (GIG) lives and breathes. We firmly believe our emphasis on living the best gluten-free life possible is validated by the success of our marquis programs: Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) and Gluten Free Certification Organization® (GFCO).

Our Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) has been revised, taken on a new look and has increased the number of participating restaurants to over 1280 nationwide. It will go international in a few months. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is growing fast. The number of companies and products is increasing beyond our initial expectations. Today over 800 products are certified gluten-free through GFCO using the strictest auditing standards in the world. Our program includes companies nationally and beyond the US borders.

We are meeting the demands of consumers at every level of the food production chain. Gluten intolerant people always say - ”It Is All About Food!” Each day these programs help GF consumers to eat safely and without worry.

Despite these recognized successes, GIG faces significant challenges in obtaining the funding necessary to live out its mission more fully.

We have observed a marked shift in support for non-profit organizations. Organizations that provide daily living support services are increasingly losing funding to organizations that provide increased awareness and research. This is especially true in less-recognized and under-funded diseases. As celiac and gluten intolerance diagnosis rates climb, the demand for services grows, while the funding declines.

We have sacrificed, conserved, reused, and recycled. We are going green. Volunteers make up over 95 percent of our workforce, yet it may not be enough. We do not want to sacrifice any programs and services ... and truly, no U.S.-based gluten-free consumer support organization does more than we do.

Please remember GIG as part of your planned giving. Your contribution will be used efficiently to fund GFRAP, GFCO, and a myriad of other programs that we actively facilitate, while touching the lives of gluten-intolerant consumers every day.

Just listen to what people say about GIG:

“Thank you for helping me today” ... I appreciate all the time you took to answer my questions. I feel better knowing my baby girl is going to grow up healthy” Sandy (MI)

“I can’t believe you were there so early today. I used your ideas and my husband’s birthday was perfect. Thank you.” Kathy (FL)

“It is refreshing to talk to someone so knowledgeable and helpful. Your efficiency in finding the information I requested was great.” Dr. Paul S. (IL)

We are so glad there is such a great resource as GFRAP for those with celiac and other gluten intolerances. My mother has had celiac for over eight years and going to restaurants is really tough for her. Having a resource like this makes it a lot nicer for her to eat without worrying. Mary (IA)

“Wow! I didn’t realize you could give me so much information about starting my own GF business. Every time I call you are there and so wonderful.” Fred M (CO)

“I have been with GIG for many years and have seen it grow and change with the times. It never ceases to amaze me at how much work comes out of the national office. I don’t know if people really know how few people do so much good work. The quality of the work, the vision set by the director, and the tireless dedication to service goes beyond the call of duty. I am so proud of GIG. Without GIG, our Branches would not have the things that make our job easier on the local level. If I ever need help, the GIG staff is there. Our director always says: ”it is not about me or GIG - “ it is about the community... “GIG reaches beyond our organization to help anyone, even if it means referring people to another celiac support organization. Not every organization does that. I am proud to be part of GIG share its values and dreams.” Sue (WA)

We are pleased to be associated with the GFCO.  Salba sales have grown significantly as a result of the certified GF seal and our strong appeal to the GF community.  As a Celiac myself, it is incredibly satisfying to be supporting GIG this way.  Keith Kohler ..“ Core Naturals (FL)

You have helped me more in this short telephone call than my four hour visit with a nutritionist yesterday that was not current on the diet. Amanda (MO)

You have probably said or thought these same types of things about GIG. Now more than ever, your support can make a tremendous difference to insure that GIG is able to have an influence your life and the lives of others.

Ways to Make a Donation Now:

• GIG Website http://gluten.net/donate.htm
• USPS Mail with Cash, Check or Credit Card
• Charitable Gift Annuity or donation of stock - Coordinate with your Financial Advisor
• Create a Legacy in Your Estate Plan - Work with an Attorney for accuracy of your desired gift
• Honor Program - Send donation to GIG with name and address of Honored Person
• Memorial Program - Designate GIG as recipient of In Memory donations
• Give a Gift in Kind - gifts of services and goods are another way to help GIG. See the ”GIG Needs” list below

GIG acknowledges all donations and will include cards to Honored Persons and to family of Memorial Donations.

GIG Needs:

• Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Standard with three licenses
• New Computers (to replace 10-year old unstable equipment) - less than 1 year old
• New Office Furniture - computer desks and chairs, desk lamps
• Presentation Equipment
• Air miles for children and volunteer staff to attend camps
• Printing and postage services
• Graphic designers and Marketing
• Writers, editors
• Leaders, program and project coordinators (local and national)
• Fundraiser coordinators

May your holidays be safe and blessed with good health and prosperity.

Bob Warren, President
GIG Board of Trustees