FUFOR - 1987 Q2 - Quarterly Report April-June

Magazine Overview

Title: Fund for UFO Research Inc.
Issue: Quarterly Report
Date Range: April - June 1987
Publisher: Fund for UFO Research Inc.
Location: Mount Rainier, Maryland / Washington, D.C.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Key Events and Activities

International Symposium on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (June 26-28, 1987)

The highlight of this quarter was the "International Symposium on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena; 1947-1987...A World View," hosted by the Fund for UFO Research at the American University in Washington, D.C. This event marked the 40th anniversary of the modern UFO era.

Several significant events occurred during the week of the symposium:

• June 24: ABC's "Nightline" Feature: The program presented an overview of UFO history, including an interview with Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund. A debate took place between nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman and aviation writer Philip Klass concerning the recent release of the "MJ TWELVE" document. This document, allegedly prepared for President-elect Eisenhower, pertains to the investigation of alien hardware and bodies retrieved near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Documents and supporting information are available from the Fund.
• June 25: Foreign Press Briefing: A special briefing was held at the Foreign Press Office of the U.S. Information Agency for international media. Participants included Dr. Maccabee, Jaime Shandera, Budd Hopkins, and Larry Koss. Speakers from Argentina, Canada, England, Italy, and Zimbabwe were present, along with approximately 50 members of the foreign press corps. A videotaped record of this briefing is available from the Fund.
• June 26: Congressional Briefing: Dr. Maccabee delivered a presentation on the history of UFOs to Members of Congress and their staffs. This was the first such briefing on Capitol Hill in nearly 20 years, attended by approximately 40 representatives from congressional offices.
• June 26: Media News Conference: A major news conference was held to publicize the Symposium. Dr. Maccabee, Bill Moore, Stanton Friedman, and Budd Hopkins were on stage.

Symposium Opening and Presentations

The Symposium officially commenced on Saturday morning with opening remarks by Walt Andrus, MUFON International Director, and Dr. Maccabee. This was followed by presentations from the International Speakers. The Symposium Proceedings are available from MUFON.

Contributed Papers

In the afternoon, attendees presented contributed papers on various aspects of the UFO subject. This was the first UFO symposium to feature contributed papers, a common practice in major scientific organizations. Abstracts of these papers, along with specific contributions by Dr. Willy Smith and Stanton Friedman, and Vicente-Juan Ballester-Olmos, are available from the Fund.

Banquet and Panel Discussions

At the Saturday night banquet, Bill Moore revealed how he established a connection with an "inside source" who supplied valuable UFO documents, including the "MJ TWELVE" document.

• Two panel discussions focused on abduction cases:
• "Abductologists" Panel: Chaired by Dr. Michael Swords, it included Budd Hopkins, Dr. David Jacobs, and Dr. Eddie Bullard. Dr. Bullard's study on abduction cases is available from the Fund, and he received a special "Award for Scientific Achievement" from the Fund.
• "Abductees" Panel: Chaired by Dr. Jacobs, it featured Whitley Strieber, "Kathy Davis" (a subject of Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders"), and other individuals who spoke publicly about their experiences. This panel was a highlight for many of the 500 attendees.

A special videotaped program, "MUFON Symposium Highlights," is being prepared for the Fund.

Government Responses Panel

On Sunday, a panel discussion on government responses to the UFO question was featured. Participants included Bill Moore, Stanton Friedman, Barry Greenwood, Bill Chalker (Australia), Jenny Randles (England), Jenny Zeidman, and Dr. Maccabee. Jenny Randles' book, "The UFO Conspiracy," and audio tapes of the Sunday speakers are available from the Fund.

Financial Overview and Fund Status

Despite some facility issues, the Symposium was deemed a success, particularly its effort to cover travel expenses for international speakers. The Symposium generated approximately $30,000 in income, but expenses totaled around $32,000 ($17,000 for facilities and $15,000 for speakers' travel), resulting in a small deficit.

The Fund for UFO Research relies on contributions and sales of documents for its income. Contributions are 100% tax deductible, while document sales are 50% tax deductible.

Due to unanticipated Symposium expenses, the Fund is experiencing a cash flow problem. To capitalize on the renewed interest in UFOs, the Fund needs to raise substantial funds. Contributors of $10 or more receive a special "I Support UFO Research" button with the slogan "Forty Years Is Long Enough!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This report emphasizes the growing interest in UFO phenomena, particularly in the context of the 40th anniversary of the modern UFO era. The Fund for UFO Research actively promotes research and dissemination of information through symposia, publications, and media engagement. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for UFO research, highlighting significant events, investigations, and the need for public and financial support to address the "UFO mystery."