The Medical Center Neighborhood Fund You don’t have to belong to one of the community organizations highlighted in this section to take part in building up the community surrounding Columbia-Presbyterian. Every employee of the hospital, the Health Sciences schools, and their affiliates can help out, thanks to the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center Neighborhood Fund. Established in 1987, the goal of the Fund is to make the Washington Heights/Inwood area thrive. This organization asks all employees to donate a small portion of their paychecks (as little as $2.50) to help local non-profit groups that provide such vital services as day care, after-school and summer programs, cleanup and beautification projects to Northern Manhattan. Employees can have donations deducted from their paychecks or contribute via cash, check or credit card. Like most charitable donations, money given to the Neighborhood Fund is tax deductible. Unlike most charities, 100 percent of all money donated is passed on to the recipient organizations. "It’s the best way for an individual in the Health Sciences to contribute directly to the welfare of the neighborhood," says Dr. Donald F. Tapley, senior deputy vice president of Health Sciences and fund co-chairman. "It’s very easy, and it’s very important." Beginning in June 1999, the Neighborhood Fund has launched its own "Y2K" project. The Neighborhood Fund’s Y2K marks a goal of reaching a 20 percent increase in annual support and 20 new participants from each CPMC institution for the year 2000. For more information, contact: Jean Armitage, Neighborhood Fund Officer 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 29D New York, NY 10032 (212) 304-7200