Annual NACDS Foundation Dinner raises funds for scholarships, public health initiatives

NEW YORK The National Association of Chain Drug Stores raised more than $1.8 million for scholarships, charitable contributions and public health initiatives through its 11th Annual Foundation Dinner held here Tuesday evening at the Hilton New York.

Donations from this year’s dinner will go toward scholarship programs that assist with pharmacy students’ education, charitable organizations, and public health initiatives, particularly those that help patients with medication adherence.

“The success of the NACDS Foundation in advancing the public good would not be possible without the continued support of generous benefactors. Their level of commitment never ceases to amaze, and the foundation deeply appreciates their participation,” stated NACDS Foundation president Edith Rosato.

Delivering the keynote address at the event was former First Lady Laura W. Bush. Bush, a former teacher and librarian, highlighted her experiences both during and following public life.

“An ambassador for education, healthcare and human rights issues, Mrs. Bush is a compassionate leader for women and children,” stated Rosato. “We appreciated her insights from her role as First Lady for eight years, as well as from her humanitarian work.”

In addition to the dinner, the NACDS Foundation approved continued funding for the NACDS Foundation and American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Pharmacy Faculty Development Fellowship in Community Pharmacy Practice. The 2009 NACDS Foundation AFPE Fellow Macary Marciniak, North Carolina associate professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, will soon be finalizing her project, “Design & Development of a Postgraduate Year 2 Community Pharmacy Residency Program.”