Lupus Foundation of America, Mid-South Chapter

HISTORY | BOARD OF DIRECTORS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

History of the Mid-South Chapter

In 1977 a small group of women with lupus began meeting as a support to one another in each other's homes. These meeting were initiated by Eloise Taylor who moved from Knoxville where she was active in the local chapter.

In 1984, the chapter became incorporated and received the non-profit 501 (c) 3 status. Since that time, a lupus phone line and monthly support group meetings have been constant.

In 1986, there were approximately 100 members of the chapter. The first office space was rented in 1993.

In 1994, the first large fundraiser was held. This golf tournament raised $6,000. Just 3 years later with the sponsorship of Beaman Automotive and Beaman Toyota, the 18 Car Shootout became a premier tournament. This tournament has become an annual event.

In 1995, the first staff member was hired after being run by an all volunteer staff.

In 1998, a second fundraiser was added, which was Laps for Lupus - a 5K Run and Walk and has become an annual event.

In 1999, a third fundraiser was added, called Down the Garden Path and has become an annual event. This is a tour of eight to nine gardens in the Nashville area and not to be missed. The addition of the Gospel Event focuses on awareness of lupus and is held in local churches.

In 2001, the chapter moved to its present location at 4004 Hillsboro Rd.

In 2003, at the LFA Annual Meeting in Houston, the Nashville Area Chapter was awarded the Chapter Achievement Award based on the Better Business Guidelines. The Chapter was also awarded Membership Achievement and Fund Development Recognition Awards. The National Board of Directors approved a name change to Mid-South Chapter and expanded the territory to Alabama and Kentucky.

In 20 years, the Lupus Foundation - Nashville Area Chapter has grown from a small group of lupus patients meeting on a monthly basis, to approximately 400 members. The chapter has moved from a budget of under $5,000, to a budget of over $100,000 and from a board of lupus patients who cared deeply for the chapter but were too often too sick to do the necessary work, to a community based board with varied talents and skills.