The Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation (PPDRF) has been set up to help promotional products industry members and non-members get back to business in the wake of a federally-declared natural disaster. The fund can help replace lost equipment and supplies—computers, cell phones, office supplies, promotional products catalogs and samples; provide a work area; or give other assistance as needed to get a business up and running as soon as possible.

IRS Deductibility
The Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No substantial goods, or services are provided by the Foundation in return for contributions.

PPDRF Officers
Jeff Thomas, MAS, started in the promotional products industry in 1987 at a California promotional products company and worked there 15 years. In August 2001, he joined The Vernon Company and is based in Rohnert Park, California, as an account executive. Jeff served as the PMANC President in 2009. He was the 2008 PMANC X-Treme Promo Showcase Chair and RAC Delegate 2008–2010. Jeff is Chair of the Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation.

Dan Jenne, CAS, has been in the promotional products industry for more than 20 years. He is active in CAAMP; his leadership service included the Show Committee Chair, Board member and Chairman in 2008. Dan also served on the RAC Board 2009–2012 and was the 2011 President.

Donna Vorce, CAS, is the owner of First Impressions, a certified woman-owned promotional marketing company in Columbus, Ohio. A member of OPPA, she served as President in 2008, been their RAC Delegate and served as the Legislative Liaison. Donna was President of RAC in 2012 and served on the RAC Board 2010–2013. Active in her local community, Donna has twice received the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award and been featured in Promotional Consultant magazine.

In 1999, Hurricane Floyd struck Bound Brook, New Jersey; Main Street businesses were closed and had small probability of reopening. The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) Foundation gave these small businesses a helping hand in recovery by providing a calendar, a magnet, or other special product to call awareness to their reopenings. Such action was not only good for businesses in these circumstances, but outstanding public relations for the promotional products industry.

The day following the attacks on the World Trade Center, the SAAGNY Foundation held a conference to discuss what, if anything, it could do. At that time in the promotional products industry, the relationship between ASI and PPAI was chilly (ASI was creating tradeshows while PPAI ventured into technology and providing data). With a phonecall to both parties, SAAGNY, ASI and PPAI came together to explore what the industry could do to help the country. The resulting effort was called Industry United. This initiative, publicized by ASI and PPAI, raised more than $30,000. Promotional products, including a patch of appreciation and emblematic jewelry, were distributed to many first responders. Although the focus was on “doing good,” the image-polishing for our industry was a wanted by-product. 

When Hurricane Katrina struck the US East Coast in 2005, the devastation was overwhelming. Peter Hirsch and Danny Sirmon began efforts in their respective cities and the SAAGNY Foundation joined them. At this point, PPAI recognized the need for some sort of group within the industry to reach out in times of need and crisis. The Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation (PPDRF) was formed and continues to provide support to industry professionals who need assistance getting back to business after a natural disaster. 

After a natural disaster, the Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation can help replace lost equipment and supplies—computers, cell phones, office supplies, promotional products catalogs and samples; provide a work area; or give other assistance as needed to get a business back up and running ASAP.

Want to Donate?  Individuals, or Companies—

Checks (made out to PPDRF) can be sent to:
The Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation
c/o Regional Relations
3125 Skyway Circle N
Irving, TX   75038-3526

Fundraising Ideas:
Have a booth, or display at your regional show
Regionals, or companies match donations made by individuals
If a donor makes a specified minimum donation, he’s entered into a raffle for a prize
Make a presentation at your annual meeting, holiday party, or professional development event
Add a donation line to your annual membership dues notice
Make PPDRF the recipient of your golf tournament, or charity event
Ask for donations in your newsletter and on your website

Third-party Fundraising (special fundraising events, or projects by individuals, groups, or organizations)—
Guidelines
Application

If your company has been adversely affected by natural disaster, please let us know—the Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation (PPDRF) can help replace lost equipment and supplies—computers, cell phones, office supplies, promotional products catalogs and samples; provide a work area; or give other assistance as needed to get a business up and running as soon as possible.

To help us determine your needs, please fill out this Needs Assessment Survey.

From …
Advance Diamond Tech
I am very grateful for this assistance during this difficult time. From all the associations I am involved with, PPAI and this fund came through the fastest.  As you can probably imagine, now is the time when it counts the most.  I also appreciate the extended membership by the PPAI and as I told you, I hope that I can contribute to this fund in the very near future.—Sam Brach

Emporium Leather/Royce Collection
Thank you very much from Royce Leather for your generosity with extraordinary expenses incurred in order to operate our business due to Hurricane Irene.  It has been quite a challenge to overcome the effects of Hurricane Irene and the recent tropical storm that hit our New Jersey warehouse and we appreciate the funds that will help us transcend that challenge.  The funds are a real testament to the kindness and humanity that characterizes PPAI members and we hope to be there for others who may endure untimely challenges and natural disasters in the future.—Kathy Bauer

Thank you so much for that check; it was very helpful.  We certainly put it to good use.  We did have to rent a truck for the whole week and then, in the following week, we had a few days where we could get away with a 12-people van.  But your thoughts and your caring were over the top.  So, from me and Emporium Leather, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your caring.  And it certainly helped lift the load.  Thank you again.—Harold Bauer

Signature Promotions
Your kind offer will be used to pay for the accounting software that I had to purchase and for the labor of the IT technician who installed it. I appreciate PPAI’s response to my situation.—Maureen Coffey

Severe Weather/Disaster Preparedness:
Sign up with the American Red Cross to stay up-to-date on Red Cross disaster alerts, get preparedness tips and learn ways to get involved. You can enter your mobile number to receive text messages from the Red Cross (up to four messages per month; SMS service is available on most carriers; message and data rates may apply). 

Sign up HERE to receive Weather Channel alerts for a variety of weather conditions—severe weather, rain and snow alerts, even pollen counts and forecasts.

Disaster Planning for Your Business:
Is Your Business Prepared for Disaster (Part 1)—article in PC Today, September 6, 2017
Is Your Business Prepared for Disaster (Part 2)—article in PC Today, September 7, 2017
Four Strategies for Disaster Recovery—article in Promotional Consultant Today, August 8, 2013, about pre-planning so you can cope when disaster occurs
Three Questions for Disaster Preparedness—article in Promotional Consultant Today, August 7, 2013, about the effect of disaster on your community to your rebuilding/recovery plans
Checklist for Financial Recovery after a Disaster—use this one-page checklist before and after a disaster to put your financial affairs in recovery mode.
It’s a Disaster.  Now What?—a guide to dealing with disaster for your business.