A Note from Executive Director, Christine Olson 14 years. It’s been 14 years this December. If losing a child is not bad enough, the way in which that fateful night unfolded spurred the creation of To Inform Families First (TIFF). “She’s gone and probably at the morgue,” law enforcement said with a shrug of the shoulder as they told me about my only daughter, Tiffiany, who had been hit by a drunk driver. I was not contacted until more than six hours after the accident; I soon learned that six hours is the average wait nationwide before personnel successfully contact loved ones in times of emergency. TIFF’s Initiative was developed to create a tool for law enforcement. With the swipe of an identification card, emergency personnel can access a database of registered participants and contact the loved ones listed. 14 years. 14 years that I have worked to spread the opportunity for individuals to register loved ones so others do not experience a night like the one I did.

In October, I traveled abroad for the first time to connect with my heritage. While in Greece, I realized that we are a more connected world than ever before; it is this connection that spurs the ability—and the necessity—to develop an expansive emergency contact database.

I am grateful for the support I have received in bringing TIFF to fruition. Help us achieve our mission of empowering individuals in our current nine states to register their loved ones in case of emergency. Join us as we work to expand to all 50 states and worldwide. Support this movement by giving a tax-deductible donation on Giving Tuesday or any day, adopting TIFF as your nonprofit of choice when shopping through Amazon Smile, and considering TIFF for the 2020 Giving Challenge in March. We could not grow our organization without your love and support. Be the change that many will need.

~Christine, Tiffi’s Mom

 

Outreach & Partners   TIFF was present at Habitat for Humanity’s 25th Birthday celebration this November! Our Board President, Cindy of Blake Medical Center, enjoyed spending time with community partners. Blake is a major partner of TIFF and often collaborates with TIFF to share the importance of an emergency database! Do you have an initiative that aligns with TIFF? Let’s partner! Contact Christine at christine@helptiff.org

 

VETERAN’S DAY TIFF is all about community and raising awareness to ensure that all have registered their emergency contacts in case of a crisis. Christine joined Linda Craig of Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS) to pack boxes of goodies for those who serve our country. Each military person received a box of items including items from soup to nuts to remind them that they are appreciated! #ThankAVeteranToday #ThankAVeteranEveryDay

 

University of South Florida chose their top marketing students to execute a marketing plan for TIFF as their culminate project. Students interviewed Christine to establish a clearer view on how TIFF could expand as a national and even global emergency contact system for all law enforcement. The presentation is on December 7th… the anniversary of Tiffiany’s death and the birth of TIFF.

 

Many thanks to The Community Foundation of Sarasota for hosting a workshop on “8 Steps to Building a Strategic Communications Plan.” TIFF gained valuable insight on how to connect with others to disseminate information about the emergency database in Florida and eight other states!

 

Please let TIFF know how we can join you to better serve our community. The emergency database is for all; consider promoting it as part of your own resources for your clients! Contact Christine Olson at (941) 795-1869 or christine@helptiff.org

 

News & Needs Cynthia Filice has accepted the position of Board Chair starting November 1, 2019! Cindy is dedicated to supporting TIFF as we grow to reach people in Florida and support other states’ initiative to enacting their own emergency databases. “It was without hesitation that I accepted the position of Board Chairman for TIFF. Through decades of practice in Emergency Departments and Trauma centers, I have seen and felt the frustration and sadness of not being able to locate loved ones when the unspeakable happens. I am excited to work with the passionate and talented individuals of this board to move this initiative forward and develop strategies to increase awareness and participation nationwide.” (Cynthia Filice, BS, RN, TCRN) TIFF is seeking a local lawyer to serve on our Board. We are also looking for a CPA assistant. Please email or call if you know anyone interested!

 

TIFF was honored to be featured by “Suncoast Pet” in their July/August 2019 edition. The connection came when Christine shared the story of TIFF with women at a rummage sale. Suddenly the group—all pet lovers—began to wonder what happens to their pets in cases where individuals have not registered their emergency contacts. What if they are single and have been rushed to the hospital from an accident, suffered a stroke or heart attack, or any other reason? Who knows to care for the pet at home waiting to be fed and watered or even in need of medication? Caring for our furry family is another reason why TIFF is relevant to so many. For the love of our fluffy friends, be sure you have your emergency contacts registered today!

 

SUPPORT TIFF IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

* Give to TIFF through Facebook on December 3rd for “Giving Tuesday”. Round out your charitable contributions for the 2019 tax year by joining the giving movement!
* Purchase Amazon products through their website “Amazon Smile” and choose TIFF as the nonprofit recipient at no additional cost!
* Make a tax deductible donation before Dec. 31, 2019 at www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org/donate
* Prepare for Spring “Giving Challenge 2020”! Send ideas for campaigns or feedback on how TIFF is important to you or has impacted your life.

 

 

 

'Tis the Season of Travel: Be Prepared

In this life, accidents are always waiting to happen. Of course, the difficult thing about accidents is that they are just that—unpredicted, unplanned events that can often change the course of our life, for a short time or forever. While we cannot prevent accidents from happening, TIFF can help you feel armed and protected from life’s accidents as much as possible by registering your emergency contacts.

According to the United States Department of Transportation’s holiday travel statistics, travel to a destination 50 miles or more away increases by 54% over Thanksgiving weekend and by 23% during Christmas and New Year’s. During the end-of-year holiday travel period, nearly 27,900 Americans will be seriously injured in auto accidents, and more than 250 will die. Certain age groups have a higher risk of drinking and driving during the holiday season. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 tend to be more often involved in fatal crashes related to alcohol use. In fact, accident statistics during the holidays show that in the time period between December 15, 2006 and January 1, 2007, there were 37 fatalities in this age group involving alcohol. The second-highest age group was 25- to 34-year-olds.

Accidents happen for a myriad of reasons, but common causes of crashes are different during the holiday season. The simple fact that more vehicles are maneuvering on the road increases the risk of a crash. It becomes more perilous as fatigued drivers travel long distances or rush to arrive at their destination. Be cognizant of your own state while driving.

We never want to think about the horrors of an accident — even a minor accident. But being prepared so that emergency personnel can quickly contact loved ones in case of tragedy is important beyond words. Additionally, remember that simple medical history can be the difference between life-saving medical care and a fatality. Ensure you and your loved ones are prepared by registering your emergency contacts prior to hitting the road this holiday season.

 

Looking for a meaningful cause to round out your charitable contributions for the tax year? Make a donation to TIFF by December 31, 2019!