When non-profit organizations The Marilyn S. Broad Foundation and the Wheelchair Foundation found each other, it was a perfect match.

The Marilyn S. Broad Foundation was established seven years ago with a clear mission: to make a difference in poverty, education and health programs for the impoverished and disenfranchised.

The Wheelchair Foundation was also established seven years ago to make a difference: to create awareness about another under-served community need and to give away free wheelchairs throughout the world.

A recent annual meeting of the Marilyn S. Broad Foundation held in Washington this past summer produced beneficiaries of the legacy left by the woman who created it.

Taken away at a too-early age, Marilyn S. Broad rose through the ranks of the (then) Mobil Corporation. When she left them, she had become one of the first female executives of that company, now united with Exxon.

But Marilyn had a vision, even while battling for her life, and she created a foundation with a mission of giving funds to small, worthy organizations often overlooked by the large corporations.

She decreed that her family members, scattered throughout the world, would gather annually, talk about important charities, and enjoy one another's company.

At this point I must point out that I am a member of Marilyn S. Broad's family, and proud to say it.

Equally altruistic and indefatigable, the Peruvian chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation will be donating a number of wheelchairs to those in need thanks to a generous gift given by The Marilyn S. Broad Foundation. The Wheelchair Foundation will have the chairs manufactured and shipped to Cuzco, Peru. The coordinating NGO is Unidad Intregal De La Comunidad Andina, working with Julia Olivera Aguirre.

a little history...

Since June 13, 2000, Kenneth E. Behring has been the visionary whose sight took root in giving to those in need. After a ceremonial event in Washington, D.C., the foundation was born.

The past six years included Behring's world-travels to deliver wheelchairs in the tens of thousands to the disabled of five continents.

Their mission statement is a perfect fit with the Marilyn S. Broad's mission:

"The Wheelchair Foundation is a non-profit organization leading an international effort to reach people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one."

For these people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Freedom.

The Broad mission statement:

"The Marilyn S. Broad Foundation is inspired by the experience and wisdom of its namesake, administered by her family and dedicated to improving education, health care and the standard of living for the disenfranchised."

Since its inception in 2000, the following charities have been gifted: Full scholarship to Baruch College, Alex's Lemonade Stand, Corporate Angel Network Veterans of Foreign War, Arlington Hospice, Soaring Words, First Book, and many others.

The Marilyn S. Broad Foundation believes that money can provide an opportunity to make dreams come true. Their work with the Wheelchair Foundation proves it.

For more information check these websites:

www.marilynsbroadfoundation.org

www.wheelchairfoundation.org

About the Author: Naomi Serviss is an award-winning travel/features writer based in Tucson, Arizona. She also writes a humorous spa blog: www.spatrekking.com