About Us

The Unique Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It was founded by local business women, Mimi Lippold in 1996 to provide funding support for breast cancer research, raise breast cancer awareness, and encourage and provide detection screening for women of all ages, of all walks of life, of every sector of society.

The Foundation does not employee and staff and tries to maintain low overhead expenses related to running the foundation. All efforts are provided by volunteers who are dedicated to the cause and who receive no compensation for their part in effort.

The Foundation’s leadership consists of top professionals in the Washington-metropolitan area who bring specific skill sets to enhance the organization’s efforts and strengthen its mission. These individuals dedicate a great deal of personal time and resources without compensation.

Board of Directors

• Mimi Lippold, Founder & Chair
• Guity Adjoodani, Executive Director
• Maryam Jeffrey, Director
• Silvia Beltran, Social Director
• Eileen Greenberg, Registration Support
• Adin Alai, Treasurer
• Barry Proctor

Honorary Board Members

• Dr. & Mrs. Jack Roberts
• Lynda Soady, Technical Assistant

Honorary Chairpersons

• Dr. Bijan Youssefi, Ophthalmologist
• Dr. Seddigheh Feise, M.D., Internal Medicine
• Morad Eghbal, Law Professor
• Jack Macklin Roberts, MDFACS Surgeon
• Mr. Manny Mashouf Chairman, bebe® Corporation
• Ramineh Kangarloo, DDS
• Shahriar Zehtobchi, MD FNYAM of Emergency Medicine
• Anthony Avery, MD Orthopedist
• Thomas H Adams, PhD Economist
• Nancy Park Kern

Social Director

• Silvis Beltran

THE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

The Foundation holds only one fundraiser a year an annual event. The event is designed to raise funds to benefit local women’s health centers, provide funds to continue research and enabled low-income women to obtain free mammograms.

Guests are treated to live dance and music entertainment from some of the best known names in the dance industry. Performances include such dazzling demonstrations as the Argentine Tango, Salsa, Country Waltz, Swing, Rhumba and West Coast Swing.

The country’s leading dance instructors have also been on hand to provide mini-dance lessons so that guests can take to the floor and try new dance steps.

This tradition was established in 1996 as a festive way to raise funds for breast cancer research and allow active participation by the guests. It has been very successful. The event has become renowned for its celebration of life through dance and many guests return each year.

WHERE DO THE FUNDS GO?

Unlike some organizations that have extraordinary overhead costs to maintain, the Unique Foundation, Inc. has very little due to its structure. Additionally, the Foundation actively solicits Corporate Sponsors, patrons and advertisers to help defray some of the event’s expenses.

In-kind donations for printing, talent, equipment and other needs are provided from local merchants and professionals.

The Foundation is careful to select a qualified recipient well in advance for the funds raised. Recipients must be active in the Washington-metropolitan area in women’s health, provide breast cancer research and/or health programs for all women and utilize the funds directly for such programs. not towards its operating overhead. This particular requirement was established by the Board in 2000 so that funds raised will actually be beneficial directly to the community in the largest amount possible without regard to administrative expenses. Funds raised have provided mammograms for low-income women in the Washington area up to two times a year. The Foundation has also provided two free seminars a year focusing on breast care, women’s health and cancer treatment programs.

The Foundation plans to establish a breast cancer research grant for medical researchers at local facilities.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

The Foundation has several opportunities for individuals and businesses to assist us with our mission and make a real difference:

• Become a Corporate Sponsor
• Advertise in our event program
• Purchase a ticket in the 2011 event
• Donate a raffle item for the 2011 event
• Advertise on our website
• Sponsor a loved one in our memory fund
• Volunteer your time or skill
• Link to the website