Little Red Door Cancer Agency Experiences Record Growth in 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN., January 28, 2010…Despite an uncertain economic outlook and reports of decreased charitable donations in 2009, Little Red Door Cancer Agency finished the year with record setting totals in year-end giving and fundraising efforts. The agency closed out the year with $1,358,495.00 in donations. This is a two-percent increase from the previous year. The numbers are reflective of the agency’s efforts to be fiscally responsible with donor dollars while increasing efforts to seek out new partnerships through private and corporate funding.

Executive Director Fred Duncan is pleased with the outcome considering the costs and numbers of individuals seeking assistance continued to grow throughout the year. “In 2009 we saw a five-percent increase in the number of clients seeking our screening and detection services and yet we did not have to turn anyone away as we have in the past due to lack of funding. That is remarkable.” said Duncan.

Not only did the demand for screenings increase, the cost of those services to the agency did as well. The request for biopsies experienced a 10-percent growth in clients while the cost of those screenings increased 20-percent from 2008 to 2009.

While the agency maintains a strong donor base of those with a personal connection to the organization, Little Red Door took specific steps in 2009 to remain on track in terms of budget while also stepping up efforts to explore new funding options. They were successful on both accounts. The agency also continued to have strong support at the annual Camp Little Red Door Golf Outing and Face of Hope Breakfast fundraisers and targeted year-end giving campaign.

“Ultimately we do not ever want to have to turn away someone in need of our services,” said Duncan. “By continuing to be budget conscience, working with our various health care organizations to keep costs low and seeking new private funding throughout the year, we should meet our goal of serving those uninsured and underinsured within our community.”

Established in 1945, Little Red Door Cancer Agency works to reduce the physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer for the medically underserved of Central Indiana by providing free patient services, cancer screenings and education. For more information, call (317) 925-5595 or visit www.littlereddoor.org.