More than 80 American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Chapter volunteer leaders from around the country gathered over the weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston to learn more about the Association's programs and services, and how they can use them to encourage involvement and provide relevancy to its members.

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) had the opportunity to present an overview and highlight its accomplishments on Friday, July 8, 2011, to the national audience, stressing the research and programs it funds and how state chapters can get involved to grow as professionals and collectively build a better industry.

The AMTA Arizona Chapter took the opportunity to show its appreciation of the Foundation's work and set an example for other chapters by presenting a check to MTF for $10,000. "As is true of all members of the AMTA, the Arizona Chapter is a strong believer in massage therapy research. We know that this is one of the best ways to move our profession forward in being recognized for the important and powerful work we do. Our Chapter is only too happy to help out the best way we can," said Sandy Anderson, AZ Chapter 1^st Vice President.

The $10,000 donation matches the AMTA Massachusetts Chapter gift that was given to the MTF in June 2011. AMTA Massachusetts has led the way in leadership giving donating $20,000 over the last two years.

"The AMTA-AZ gift couldn't come at a more exciting time for the Foundation.We're awarding our 2011 Research and Community Service Grants,and planning our 2013 "International Massage Therapy Research Conference." It is really heartwarming as chapter after chapter steps up in major ways to help the Massage Therapy Foundation meet its financial challenges. For so many years, AMTA has been the Foundation's primary benefactor, but given its financial constraints, additional partners are crucial to the Foundation's future," stated Leslie A. Young, Ph.D., MTF Development Chair. AMTA does, however, remain the Foundation's largest financial and in-kind donor.

The MTF works to advance the knowledge and practice of massage by supporting scientific research, education and community service. Its goal is to bring the benefits of massage therapy to the broadest spectrum of society through the generation, dissemination and application of knowledge in the field of massage therapy. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.

Front row (from left to right) – Ann Blair Kennedy (SC), Patti Stanley (AZ)

Back row (from left to right) - Sandy Anderson (AZ), Lil Hackett (AZ), Tee Wills (AZ), Gini Ohlson (MTF), Michelle Cordero (AZ)