The CMA Education Foundation, Celebrating its 10th Anniversary

The CMA Education Foundation, celebrating its 10th Anniversary, continues the good work the CMA started many years ago. In the 10 years since its inception, the charitable arm of the CMA has awarded $377,000 in scholarships and $181,900 in internship stipends. The Foundation was able to accomplish this with the generous support of individual donors, companies, and associations as well as the efforts of the volunteer Board of Directors throughout those 10 years. It takes an entire community. Thank you all!

Over the last 10 years the Foundation has received contributions from individuals, companies, the CMA, and foundations. Donations from individuals alone totaled over $100,000 during that period. Many of those donations were made when members renewed their CMA membership and took the time to check the box and donate to the Foundation at the same time.

You’ve probably heard the expression you must have some skin in the game. All of us in this industry have some skin in the game and our industry’s future is made better by supporting the future people in this industry.

The Foundation’s mission is to do just that. No donation is ever too small, and all are appreciated. This past month the Foundation received a donation for $5 as part of the membership renewal process. While that may seem a small amount, the message it sent was much bigger and worth so much more. That five-dollar donation came from a student at SUNY Maritime. The message, he believes in the value of the CMA, the mission of the Education Foundation and he’s doing his part within his means to pay it forward.

I hope his actions inspire you to do the same.

In celebration of the past 10 years, but with a responsibility to support our future maritime professionals, I invite you to join us on May 25 from 6-8pm for cocktails and appetizers at the Greenwich Water Club. Tickets are $100 each with all proceeds to benefit the scholarship and internship programs. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check made payable to the CMA Education Foundation and mailed to the address above or by contacting Beth@cma-edu.org to purchase over the phone or for ACH electronic transfer details.