LPG Charity Fund helps industry families in need

June 22, 2017 By    

For 25 years, the LPG Charity Fund has been helping members of the LP gas industry and their families during times of financial need.

Photo: David Herr

According to its brochure, the fund assists members of the industry with medical expenses, temporary living expenditures or funeral expenses. More than $400,000 has been disbursed over the last five years, and the fund has disbursed more than $1.3 million of the $1.5 million raised over its 25-year history.

The group raises money through corporate and individual contributors, as well as through fundraising events, which include a Texas Hold ’em tournament, a bowling event and a golf tournament. These events alone bring in about $75,000 annually.

According to David Herr, president of the fund’s board of directors, more than 98 percent of the money collected goes back to families in need.

There are no requirements for receiving funds, other than true need. According to Herr, there is an application process, but the fund typically responds quickly.

“We award money as needed, as we get applications, as life happens and as it unfolds. Anyone at any time will review [an application],” Herr says.

The fund is currently working to raise awareness of its mission.

“We want people to know that we are here. We are focused in Houston, but our ability to hand out funds when needed stretches across the country,” Herr says.

Participants enjoy a round of golf at the annual LPG Charity Fund outing. Photo courtesy of LPG Charity Fund.

The group is also making efforts to reach the younger generation that’s entering the workforce. The fund hosts meet-and-greets where young people in the industry are encouraged to meet other industry members, as well as members of the board.

“We’re really trying to create an awareness and a generational path for carrying the torch and this mission on,” Herr says.

Board members are also reaching out to new companies and marketers to spread the word about the fund and build sponsorships. Herr hopes he and his fellow board members can continue to increase awareness of what the fund offers. Corporations within the industry know about the fund, Herr adds, but they need to increase their efforts to connect with the people in need.

“We have to grow the other side,” he says. “We need to grow awareness for the people who need our help. We get corporate support and industry support, but we need to push the envelope to help the people who need it.”

This article is tagged with and posted in News

About the Author:

Clara Richter was a managing editor at LP Gas magazine.

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