“It was almost as fun as a room full of accountants.” No, that’s not the start of a joke, it really was fun and they really were tax professionals. The National Association of Tax Professionals, NATP, had their 2016 national conference in Indianapolis the week of Aug. 7th and we were invited to join them.
Back in March, the national board members for NATP wanted to select, and highlight, the work of a local charity while they were in Indianapolis. Flight1 earned that recognition and was the partnered charity for the event.
During the week of the conference, attendees went from one lecture to the next. In between lectures Flight1 staff, volunteers, and interns were on site to talk about the Flight1 program. After long days of education the conference attendees let loose. They had a silent auction, competitive contests between state chapters, along with direct and anonymous donations over three consecutive nights. The auction got especially animated, with a small stuffed animal getting bids to over a thousand dollars!
While we weren’t able to meet all of the 900+ attendees, I did meet many people from the thirty-six NATP state chapters that were present. It was heartwarming to meet people personally, to hear their stories and to hear their beliefs in the mission of Flight1.
On the last day of the convention, there was a formal recognition dinner which included a check presentation to Flight1 in the amount of $23,931.
To all the members of NATP, it was great to meet all of you. You have made an enormous impact on our mission of building confidence in children affected by serious health challenges. And if anyone ever asks me what group of people have the most fun, tax professional will certainly be at the top of the list.
On behalf of Caroline, the Flight1 family and me, thank you.
Marcus
