Resources contributed to the Jerry and Carolyn Davee Fund will be directed toward:
Camp Beyond the Scars
One of the Institute’s most notable programs, Camp Beyond the Scars places young burn survivors in a supportive environment that allows them to move forward with their physical – and most importantly – psychological healing. The majority of camp counselors are off-duty firefighters, and the primary purpose of camp is to improve self-esteem and develop coping skills for the children. Two camps are held annually – a four-day retreat in the winter, and a weeklong session in the summer. Campers attend at no cost to their families.
Emergency Needs and Special Assistance Funds
Helping burn survivors and their families at their greatest time of need is what these funds are all about. Emergency housing and transportation are provided to burn survivors and their families immediately after the burn injury. The Special Assistance Fund provides badly needed assistance, which often times is not covered by insurance, to ensure that the burn survivor has the greatest opportunity for recovery. Special needs such as rehabilitation equipment, pressure garments, etc. are provided at no cost to the survivor. Special assistance to participate in psychosocial programs (conferences, seminars, etc.) is also provided to assist in the psychological healing needed to overcome a severe burn injury.
College Scholarships for Burn Surviving Children
The vast majority of young burn survivors are from low-income and underprivileged families. More than 50 percent of all childhood admissions to the Regional Burn Center are Latino. The college scholarship program’s aim is to help burn surviving children receive this assistance they need to live fulfilling, productive lives. College Scholarships will be awarded to eligible children to help further their education. Efforts like the Institute’s Mentoring Program will help reinforce the children’s need for education, goal-setting and developing life skills.
Burn Research and Equipment
Furthering burn research and treatment continues to be a priority of the Burn Institute. Funds from the Davee Fund will be made available to fund special research projects to ensure that burn survivors receive the best treatment possible. The Institute’s Grant Review Committee reviews grant proposals on an annual basis and makes grant awards to projects of merit.
The Jerry and Carolyn Davee Fund is an important effort to ensure that burn survivors receive the helping hand they need to overcome their devastating injuries. From initial services and funding to help burn survivors survive the initial burn trauma, to far reaching programs that will positively impact children for the rest of their lives, the Jerry and Carolyn Davee Fund will create a lasting legacy to support burn survivors in our community.
WAYS TO GIVE
If you would like to help support the Burn Institute with a gift to the Jerry and Carolyn Davee Fund to create a permanent legacy that will ensure that burn survivors will be helped for decades to come, and to provide immediate assistance to burn survivors in their greatest time of need, some gift opportunity suggestions include:
Cash
Checks made payable to the Burn Institute offer immediate funding for burn survivors through Camp Beyond the Scars, to meet Emergency Needs and provide Special Assistance, to provide College Scholarships for Child Burn Survivors, and to fund Burn Research and special Medical Equipment.
Appreciated Assets
Stocks, bonds, real estate, life insurance, or any other asset that carries no liability may be used as a gift.
Planned Gifts and Bequests
This special type of support offers a way to maximize your contribution while helping you meet specific income tax and estate objectives.
Commemorative Gifts
You can make your gift in Honor or In Memory of a family member, friend or loved one and create a lasting legacy in tribute to your generosity and support burn survivors.
All contributions are deductible for tax purposes to the extent permitted by current law. For additional information, please contact:
James A. Floros
Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer
Burn Institute
8825 Aero Drive #200
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 541-2277
Jerry Davee's Story
In 1978, Jerry Davee and four other passengers were traveling in a private plane returning to San Diego from Bishop after a ski vacation at Mammoth Mountain. Shortly after takeoff, they crashed in a scrub-filled backcountry. After a crash landing and as fuel spewed from the plane, Jerry quickly whisked his 15-year old son Kevin away from the crash site. After ensuring that his son was safe, he returned to help the pilot and passenger, who were his law partner and friend.
Seconds after Jerry reached his friend, the plane exploded. Jerry was suddenly engulfed in flames. As a result of this horrific accident, he spent a month and a half in the burn center intensive care unit recovering from his severe burn injuries and during that time, endured seven skin-graft operations that rebuilt his nose, ears, right hand, and right side of his body.
In 1979, Jerry received the Burn Institute’s Spirit of Courage Award for his heroic rescue efforts. It was then that Jerry and Carolyn Davee became formerly introduced to the important work of the Burn Institute, where they have been volunteers ever since.
Jerry joined the Burn Institute board in 1979, became board president in 1982, and served in that position for ten years. In 1992, Jerry was elected as chairman of the Institute’s board – a position he holds to this day. Jerry’s exceptional leadership skills have played an important role in making the Burn Institute one of San Diego’s leading non-profits.
Without question, a serious burn injury affects a family – and in particular a spouse – almost as much as the victim. Carolyn’s steadfast support of Jerry through his injury was critical to his recovery, both physically and emotionally. Carolyn has shared Jerry’s passion for the important work of the Burn Institute, and has been a steadfast volunteer including chairing special events and serving as the Burn Institute’s Auxiliary’s President.
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