
By Gail S. Richburg, Founder/Executive Director of LCTF
Life Changing Transplant Foundation (LCTF) was formed in March of 2008. The foundation was birthed from my own personal experience of being a liver transplant recipient.

I was diagnosed in 1997 with a liver disease and was placed on the transplant waiting list immediately. After seven years of waiting, in June 2004 I received my life-saving transplant. I underwent seven surgeries and was on life support for periods of time. My recovery was a long and hard process, but I am a survivor. I now use my experiences to share with other patients and encourage them through their transplant journey. My heart’s desire is for the foundation to be that “support in a trying time”.
LCTF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The mission of this foundation is to educate communities about the importance of organ donation and support transplant patients’ families in the following ways: financial support for medications, gas cards for travel expenses, food, utility bills, and insurance co-pays. I know, from experience, that one anti-rejection medication can cost well over $1,500 per month. This is just one medication and most patients take several medications. As you can imagine, the co-pays can add up and some patients are under-insured, which can cost hundreds more dollars per month.
LCTF’s financial support comes directly from fundraisers and donations from businesses. This year, LCTF will hold two fundraising events:
- Summer Extravaganza (June 2018)
- Annual 5K Walk/Run for Life (September 2018)
Each fundraising event offers sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations.
The June event offers vendor opportunities, and bike/car club participation. The “LCTF Summer Extravaganza” will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018, noon-5pm, at The Raleigh Police Club, 3500 Leonard Road, Knightdale, North Carolina. There will be food and fun for all ages, the vendor area, and the bike/car show.
For sponsor, vendor, or bike/car club applications, email or call 919.771.7576. Applications are being accepted now.
Find out more about LCTF at www.lifechangingtransplant.org.
Sponsorships
Businesses and organizations may sponsor either the Summer Extravaganza or the Annual 5K Walk/Run for Life. Sponsorships are available in four levels, ranging from $1,000 to $100. Benefits are:
Sponsorship Level 1 — Break Out
- Logo and web link on the official event website.
- Requires a donation amount of $100.
Sponsorship Level 2 — Spread Your Wings
- Logo and web link on the official event website.
- Logo on the event banner.
- Requires a donation amount of $250.
Sponsorship Level 3 – Come Fly with Me
- Logo and web link on the official event website.
- Logo on the event banner.
- Name on the official event T-shirt.
- Requires a donation amount of $500.
Sponsorship Level 4 – Life Changing
- Logo and web link on the official event website.
- Logo on the event banner.
- Name on the official event T-shirt.
- Name included in advertisements/press releases about the event.
- Requires a donation amount of $1,000.
Extravaganza Vendors
The Vendor Booth fee is $30 for a space approximate 10’ x 10’ at the LCTF Summer Extravaganza. Vendors will be in the outdoor field space where the event it taking place, so plan equipment accordingly. Tents are recommended but not provided. Spaces are limited, and early application is recommended. No vendor applications can be accepted after June 1, 2018.
In addition to tents, if desired, vendors must provide their own tables and chairs, displays, and equipment. Electricity is not guaranteed. No animals or pets may be included. When the event ends, vendors are expected to clean up their booth area and leave it litter-free.
Note that on the day of the event, vendors selling unapproved and/or inappropriate merchandise will be asked to leave the show or remove the merchandise at the discretion of LCTF.
Bike / Car Club Registration
If your bike/car club is interested in displaying vehicles, or being a Sponsor for this event, call Janice Steed at 919.606.3529. Your club can sell tickets to meet the desired Sponsorship Level, and the club that raises the most money will receive a trophy.