Most Frequently Asked Questions
You interchange the name Fundacion Mariposa and The Butterfly Foundation all the time. Are they the same?
Yes, they are exactly the same. Fundacion Mariposa is the Spanish equivalent of Butterfly Foundation. La Mariposita – “little butterfly” in Spanish is the pet name Dr. Moulton has for his wife. So its English equivalent came to mind in 2003 when the family launched the international medical relief organization, Fundacion Mariposa.
What is the mission of The Butterfly Foundation?
Our mission is to improve the lives of children with complex spine deformity. Our volunteer US medical teams perform life-saving surgeries for children in developing countries while promoting the advancement of spine deformity treatment technology by training local surgeons. The surgeons use those new skills and supplies gifted to them by the foundation to continue treating patients in their own country fulfilling the foundation motto, “Teach a man to fish and he feeds his community for a lifetime.”
Return to top
Where is The Butterfly Foundation located?
We have two offices, one in New York, and one just outside of Los Angeles.
- 10 City Place Suite 19D
White Plains, New York 10601
Tel: 347-534-7746
- 20800 Hillside Drive Suite G
Topanga, CA 90290
310-455-3535
Return to top
When was The Butterfly Foundation started?
The Butterfly Foundation was founded in 2003 by Dr. Andrew Moulton and Geraldine Collado. Ms. Collado was a very well know television personality and Dr. Moulton had just finished his Spine Fellowship at New York University when the two first met. Both wanted to give something back to the community that had been so generous to them. Dr. Moulton knew how to operate and Ms Collado knew the Dominican Republic. The first mission was in March of 2003. 12 children who suffered from severe scoliosis were operated on. The Butterfly Foundation has since grown into one of the world's premier spine surgery charities helping hundreds of desperately poor children with severe scoliosis and has trained hundreds medical professionals. The Butterfly Foundation is headquartered in White Plains New York and has an office in Los Angeles. The Foundation has operated on 230 children in the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Blantyre, Malawi, Africa; Santiago, Chile; Saigon, Vietnam and Kingston, Jamaica.
Return to top
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis (from the Greek: skoliosis meaning “crooked”) is a medical condition in which a person’s spine is curved from side to side, shaped like an “S” or a “C” and may also be rotated. To adults it can be very painful. It is typically classified as congenital (caused by vertebral anomalies present at birth), idiopathic (sub-Classified as infantile, juvenile, adolescent, or adult according to when onset occurred) or as having developed as a secondary symptom of another condition, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy or due to physical trauma. You seldom see severe scoliosis in the U.S. and Europe because they are repaired. Scoliosis is usually NOT corrected in developing countries because most of the families are too poor to afford surgery and the government will not provide free surgery.
Return to top
Why does The Butterfly Foundation focus on back surgeries?
The impact of scoliosis surgery is dramatic, immediate and permanent! This is one of the best life saving interventions in the world - a true modern day medical miracle that changes a child's life forever. All of our volunteer surgeons were trained at the best hospitals in the United States. The need to share their expertise is tremendous.
Return to top
How many Spine Clinic Missions has Butterfly Foundation carried out and how many children have benefited from corrective spine surgery?
We have been on 20 separate clinics and treated 230 children since March of 2003.
Return to top
In which countries does The Butterfly Foundation work?
We operate in some of the poorest countries in the world. Blantyre, Malawi in Africa; Saigon, Viet Nam; Santiago, Chile; Kingston, Jamaica; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We are planning a trip to Paraguay, Dominican Republic and Viet Nam in 2009.
Return to top
Who are your volunteers?
We have spine and neuro-surgeons, anesthesia people, physician’s assistants, operating room technologists, nurses, neuro-physiologists, perfusionist from the United States who are able to teach.
Return to top
How long are the Spine Clinics?
They typically run from 5 to 7 days, not including travel time.
Return to top
How can I find help for a child born with severe scoliosis in another country?
It's easy. Contact Geraldine Collado Moulton at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Return to top
Can I restrict my gift to a certain country?
Sure. You can find a list of countries in which we work on our website. Just include a note with your donation that says in what country or region you would like your donation to be used and we will be happy to accommodate you.
Return to top
Can I get the contact information for a child I saw on your web site?
The Butterfly Foundation does not release contact information for the children that we help to maintain their privacy and uphold their patient confidentiality.
Return to top
Can I receive a picture of the specific child I have helped?
Yes. A few months after your donation we will send you a picture of a child we were able to help with some information on the child, their age, who their surgeon was, where they live, etc. Hopefully you can put this up on your refrigerator door as a happy reminder that there is a child walking tall today thanks to you.
Return to top
Does The Butterfly Foundation need volunteers?
Absolutely. We have a special program for surgeons, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Contact us and we will mail or email a brochure to you. For non-medical volunteers, our greatest need is to raise money and awareness.
Return to top
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, of course! Just make sure you provide an address with your donation and we'll send you a tax receipt. 100% of all donations to The Butterfly Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with the IRS regulations.
Return to top
How do I obtain a copy of your Annual Report or 990?
It's easy. Just send us a request via e-mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or write to us at The Butterfly Foundation 20800 Hillside Drive Suite G Topanga, CA 90292
Return to top
How do I apply for a Matching Gift donation?
Matching Gifts double the impact of your gift and enable us to help twice as many kids! Please check with your HR Department about any Matching Gifts Program and request the forms to accompany your gift. Visit www.butterflyfoundation.com to see if your company participates in a matching gift program. Simply click on Donate then Employee Matching.
Return to top
How do I make out my check if I am mailing in my donation?
Checks or money orders should be made out to The Butterfly Foundation and send it to The Butterfly Foundation, 20800 Hillside Drive, Suite G, Topanga, CA. 90290
Return to top
How do I make a donation in someone’s honor?
We have beautiful tribute and memorial cards that we (or you) can send in honor or in memory of a friend or a loved one. You can make your donation online, on the phone or through the mail.
Return to top
How do I donate stock to The Butterfly Foundation?
We would be happy to help you with a gift of stock. When you transfer ownership of long-term holdings to The Butterfly Foundation you receive a charitable deduction for their full market value - and you incur no capital gains tax (subject to IRS deduction limits). Because electronic transfers are made without identifying the donor, please alert us in advance about the stock and number of shares you plan to give. You can do so by e-mailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or calling Buzz Bartholomew at 310-455-1003. According to IRS regulations, the date of your gift corresponds to the date it arrives in our possession (for transfers from brokerage account to brokerage account). Following is the information necessary to transfer stock to our account: Our Account Name: The Butterfly Foundation
Return to top
What if I would like to include The Butterfly Foundation in my Will, retirement plan or life insurance policy?
Your lawyer will need the below information:
Official Organization Name: Fundacion Mariposa Corporation Address: 20800 Hillside Drive Suite G, Phone: 310-455-1003, Fax: 310-455-3767 Status: Fundacion Mariposa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the Federal government and within each State and was incorporated in 2004. Federal Tax ID #: 11-3677325
Return to top
How do I wire funds directly to The Butterfly Foundation?
Prior to sending the wire, please notify Buzz Bartholomew at Fundacion Mariposa via phone at 310-455-1003 or email,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with the donor's name and address.
Return to top
I will be in New York. Can I visit your office?
We always welcome visitors. If you will be in the NY area and would like to stop by, simply notify us in advance by emailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or calling 347-5344-7746 so we can coordinate the date and time of your visit.
Return to top
Why does The Butterfly Foundation have two addresses in the U.S.?
Dr. Moulton and his staff are located in White Plains, New York. Carmen Bartholomew is located in Topanga, California where the majority of our donations are received and processed and most of the planning for our missions takes place
Return to top
What is The Butterfly Foundation’s name exchange policy?
The Butterfly Foundation would never exchanges donor names with other charities.
Return to top
Is the The Butterfly Foundation a registered charity?
The Butterfly Foundation is registered with the federal government as “Fundacion Mariposa Corporation” and with every state in the U.S. where it is required. We are a 501 (c) (3) charity and all donations are tax deductible according to IRS regulations.
Return to top
What is The Butterfly Foundation’s Federal Tax ID number?
The Tax ID number is 11-3677325
Return to top
I have more questions, what should I do?
Please contact us! We would be happy to answer your questions! The Butterfly Foundation
Carmen Bartholomew
20800 Hillside Drive, Suite G
Topanga, CA 90290
Phone: 310-455-3535
Fax: 310-455-3767
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Return to top
|
FAQ
