About PPA Charities

As the philanthropic arm of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), a worldwide, nonprofit professional photography association, PPA Charities allows PPA to become a force for positive change, making a difference in the lives of others (Mission Statement).

Established as a charitable, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization, PPA Charities allows imaging professionals to combine their individual efforts to make an even bigger impact on the lives of children and families everywhere.

Organization of PPA Charities

PPA Charities Executive Director
Bert Behnke
20600 S. Old Wolf Road
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 479-6700
bbehnke@ppa.com

PPA Charities is governed by a Board of Trustees that is appointed annually by the PPA Board of Directors.

2008 Board of Trustees Mary Fisk-Taylor, President Harvey Goldstein, Vice President Scott Kurkian, PPA CFO, Treasurer Carol Andrews, PPA Board Liaison Don MacGregor, PPA Board Liaison

Trustees: Lori Craft David Grupa Ann Monteith Cindy Romaguera Randy Taylor Steve Troup Angela Weedon

History of PPA Charities

In 1997, at the urging of PPA Charities President Bert Behnke, the PPA Board of Directors established PPA Charities as a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. This organization allows imaging professionals to combine their individual efforts to make an impact on the lives of children and families everywhere.

An initial fund-raising drive resulted in contributions that were invested as a perpetual fund. These monies are used to fund PPA Charities’ annual operational budget and reserve fund, which continue to grow through contributions and annual activities. By the end of 1999, the foundation had raised over $110,000. A matching donation from Burrell Professional Labs of $40,000 brought the perpetual fund total to $150,000. In January of 2000, the first donation from PPA Charities was presented to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in the amount of $10,000.

The goal of PPA Charities is to increase the capital fund to $500,000. This would allow the Charity to make substantial contributions to worthy children's charities each year. All donations are added to the perpetual fund until this goal has been reached. Once the fund is fully established, the charity will have longevity and stability without soliciting the same people year after year. Once we reach our goal, future special events will allow us even greater opportunities to support needy children.

In 2005, PPA Charities Trustees invited Operation Smile to become its Charitable Partner. As such, Operation Smile, a highly respected world-wide organization, became the recipient of all contributions (made by PPA-member studios throughout the country) during PPA Charities’ annual Family Portrait Month charitable marketing promotion.

In January 2005 during our kick-off event at Emeril's New Orleans, PPA Charities presented a check to Operation Smile in the amount of $10,000. In 2008, PPA Charities reached the record of donating $52,000. This brought the total to over $115,000, which accounts for almost 500 children obtaining life-changing surgery thanks to PPA members!