News

Massage Therapy Foundation Receives $25K

A massage-textbook publisher donated $25,000 to The Massage Therapy Foundation, an organization that advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service, in late February.

Books of Discovery publishes Trail Guide to the Body, as well as auxiliary products including flashcards, a student handbook and DVDs.

“By providing financial resources to the foundation, we hope to raise the awareness and understanding of the benefits of our profession,” said Andrew Biel, author of Trail Guide to the Body and the owner of the publishing company. “Books of Discovery's success is due largely to its relationship with the bodywork/massage community, so donating to the foundation allows us an opportunity to give back." The publishing company had given another $25,000 to the foundation previously.

The foundation isn’t the only recipient of Books of Discovery’s largesse: The publisher donated 235 copies of Trail Guide to the Body to massage therapists affected by the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf Coast area; and $28,000 to 100% Replanted, a nonprofit organization that plants trees to offset paper-and-wood products usage. That donation matched the cost of the paper consumed since 1997 to produce Books of Discovery’s products.

Biel also sits on the foundation’s board of directors.

“The large commitment of time and resources [Books of Discovery] provide to the Massage Therapy Foundation speaks directly to their belief in our mission,” said foundation President Diana Thompson. “This generous gift sets a fine example to students and faculty, practitioners and vendors of the profession, one I hope others will follow.”

To donate to the Massage Therapy Foundation or the Touch Research Institute, click here: www.massagemag.com/Magazine/donate.php