Christmas SPIRIT Foundation receives Summit Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Nicole Fischer or Steve Drake
(636) 449-5060


WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, professionally-managed by DRAKE & COMPANY, is one of six recipients of the 2008 Summit Award presented by the American Society of Association Executives & The Center for Association Leadership.

The award, part of ASAE’s Associations Advance America initiative, is the highest honor given for organizations that implement innovative community-based programs. The Foundation received the award for its Trees for Troops program.

The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation (CSF) – with support from FedEx Freight – has delivered more than 34,000 Real Christmas Trees to military families since Trees for Troops began in 2005. It has grown from about 400 Christmas Tree growers and retailers participating to more than 850. Almost 17,000 families at more than 40 military bases received a Real Christmas Tree in 2007.

“We are excited to receive this significant honor recognizing the work of hundreds of volunteers in the Christmas Tree industry,” said Steve Drake, CEO of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and DRAKECO president. “The Trees for Troops program represents the work of more than 850 tree farms and retailers along with the hundreds of miles and hours provided by our partners at FedEx Freight. All these efforts have allowed us to deliver fresh, farm-grown trees and holiday memories to more than 34,000 military families. We look forward to an expanded program in 2008.”

The Summit Award symbolizes the best efforts engineered by associations across the country in areas like public education/information, economic development, business and social innovation, skills training/development and civic and volunteer activities.
The awards were judged by members of ASAE who volunteer to serve in a leadership capacity and advise the organization on the various elements of the AAA public awareness and recognition program.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 Summit Award,” said Matthew R. D’Uva, CAE, president of SOCAP International and chairman of the AAA Committee. “These recognized programs exemplify the very best efforts of associations to benefit society. We received many outstanding submissions this year and are delighted to present these six organizations with the highest award in the association community.”

The Summit Awards will be presented at the 9th Annual Summit Awards Dinner, Sept. 23, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“The winners of the 2008 Summit Award represent the very best characteristics and leadership in the association community,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. “We applaud the Summit Award winners for fostering strong communities and stewardship of American life.”

The other recipients of the 2008 Summit Award are:
American Academy of Pediatrics Illinois Chapter, Chicago, IL
Program: Enhancing Developmentally-Oriented Primary Care (EDOPC)

Associated Builders and Contractors of Metropolitan Washington, Calverton, MD
Program: DC School Buff and Scrub

Association of Junior Leagues International Inc, New York, NY
Program: Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen

Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International Inc., Washington, DC
Program: American National Standard for Calls Pertaining to Missing and Exploited Children

International Franchise Association, Washington, DC
Program: Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran)

About Christmas SPIRIT Foundation
The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association established to advance the spirit of Christmas for kids, families and the environment. Visit www.christmasspiritfoundation.org for more information.


About Drake & Company
DRAKE & COMPANY – a full-service, AMC Institute-accredited, association management company based in Chesterfield, Mo. – serves as the headquarters and staff for leading national and international associations and specializes in management of trade, industry and individual member-based associations. Since its establishment in 1992, DRAKECO has been recognized for growing its clients’ membership, creating new associations and developing award-winning cause-related marketing initiatives such as the Trees for Troops campaign. For more information about DRAKE & COMPANY, go to: www.drakeco.com or contact Steve Drake.

About ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership
The American Society of Association Executives is an individual membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies, and voluntary organizations across the United States and in 50 countries around the globe. Our members’ organizations represent such essential industries and professions as health care, manufacturing, banking, law, energy, insurance, and the list goes on. We are also a leading voice for the nonprofit sector, advocating for voluntary organizations so that they may continue to improve the quality of life in the United States.

- ## -