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History

The California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine (CaFFE) is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation, established to provide scholarship money for podiatric students and to provide financial support for endowed chairs at accredited California podiatric medical schools.

The bylaws of the California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine (CaFFE) were reviewed in 1996 and were revised in 2009 along with new articles of incorporation, and an agreement between the California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine and Samuel  Merritt University and California School of Podiatric Medicine.

The original Board of Governors from 1982 were:

    Heather Barton, JD, Chair
    Cy Lane, DPM, Vice Chair
    Tom Amberry, DM, Emeritus
    Charlie Johnson, DPM, Parlimentarian/Emeritus
    Dave Jacobson, DPM
    Earl Cherniak, DPM, Secretary/Treasurer
    Randall Sarte, DPM

Board of Governors, 2002-2003 were:

    Randall J Sarte, DPM, FACFAS, Chair
    Ann Shearer, Vice Chair
    Mel Barton, DPM, Secretary/Treasurer
    Douglas M. Taylor, DPM, A & A Liaison
    John Pagliano, DPM
    Mr. Don Anderson
    David Mullens, DPM, JD

Board of Directors, 2003-2008 Founders:

    Randall J Sarte, DPM, FACFAS, Chair
    David Mullens, DPM, JD, Vice Chair
    Mel Barton, DPM, Treasurer
    Douglas M. Taylor, DPM
    Richard Viehe, DPM
    Aaron Meltzer, DPM
    John Pagliano, DPM
    Don Anderson, DPM
    Jeff Spenko, DPM
    Don Green, DPM

Heather Barton, JD, Chair, with her early demise was the person who had the vision to develop this fund into what it is today, with the help of her husband, Dr. Mel Barton, who has taken the reins of investments.  He has had the secretary/treasurer responsibilities since Heather’s passing.  Both have been a wonderful example of unselfish devotion to the purpose of the FFE and scholarship of our students in the State of California and have invested over $30,000 towards two $1,000 scholarships/year for a student who is underprivileged financially or a single parent who is pursuing an education at the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

The various other scholarships have been started by friends, alumni, family, corporations, businesses and members of the Podiatric community for various bequests over the years and for restricted funds for scholarships.  We have given substantial scholarships to our students at the College of at least $25,000 to $45,000 per year consistently, since inception.

Our yield for our investments has been approximately 5-13% and is diversified for safety and growth.  The Board of Governors has not utilized any of the money for anything but scholarships and a stipend for the treasurer per year for duties performed.

With the creation of our 2008-2009 bylaws, the Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine added the designation of the California Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine to differentiate itself from other Foundations in Podiatric Medicine.  Also to include all facets of our profession and insure that all of California is represented, the Foundation’s Board has expanded to include California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), the Alumni and Associates of the (CCPM) California School of Podiatric Medicine (A&A), and the Founders of the Foundation for Excellence in Podiatric Medicine (FFE) the current officers and Board of Directors.

Click here to view CaFFEPM core documents.

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