UFFDA HISTORY

The United Foundation For Disabled Archers (UFFDA) has been in existence since the fall of 1994. It was incorporated in the spring of 1997 and received its non-profit status from the IRS in November 1997. It currently has over 1400 members throughout the United States, with more folks joining every week. During the first weekend of October (since 1995) UFFDA hosts a 4-day Whitetail hunt in Northern Minnesota for 30 of its disabled members. It hosts a second event the following weekend in Central Wisconsin (since 1999) for another 30 members. 

UFFDA is looking for additional members all across America to help organize similar events. We would like to start UFFDA Chapters in each state. As our organization grows, we have three major objectives:

The first is INFORMATION. We must reach as many physically challenged people as we can. By becoming aware of and contacting the appropriate organizations and medical facilities that deal with these special people, we will be able to offer the joy of the bow and arrow to even more individuals. Personal contacts are very important also. If you have a neighbor or a friend who is physically challenged, ask questions to determine there is any interest in archery or bowhunting. Also, do not be afraid to ask a stranger if he or she has ever considered participating in our great sport. Continuous prospecting is how we are going to find the people to fill up our ranks.

The second objective is to gain more MEMBERS. Not just physically challenged archers, but able-bodied members as well. There is much work to be done if we are going to provide more hunts and tournaments especially for the disabled archer. We need ambitious men and women who see the benefit of sharing with others if we are to complete the task at hand. As our numbers increase, so will the number of people we can serve. When you find individuals who are unselfish enough to share of themselves, ask about their friends. Caring people usually have caring friends. Remember that the swan flies with other swans while the hawk flies by itself. We are in search of other swans.

The last objective is FUNDING. Not one of our projects can become a reality without the capital to make them happen. It would be wonderful if we were able to find one major benefactor who would underwrite our efforts completely. The reality is that it probably will be done by hundreds of small donors who see and appreciate the good in what we are doing. These patrons must be found and made aware of our mission by the members of our organization.

If we are to experience continuous and measurable growth, we must gather information, members and funding. The United Foundation for Disabled Archers invites each and every one of you to become a part of our growing organization and the worthy mission we have chosen, grow in size and be able to help even more physically challenged individuals.