FUFOR - 1988 Q2 - Quarterly Report Apr-Jun

Magazine Overview

This document is a Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of April to June 1988. It details the organization's activities, research progress, financial status, and outreach efforts.

Key Activities and Research

Executive Committee Discussions

The Executive Committee's meetings during this quarter focused on several significant topics. These included the ongoing investigation into the Gulf Breeze case, the analysis of the 'PB' pictures originating from England, and the review of the OMNI survey report forms. Additionally, the committee discussed the creation and operation of a local abduction investigation panel, continued work on the MJ-12 documents, and preparations for the upcoming MUFON Symposium. A notable decision was to once again present a cash award in the name of Isabel Davis to the individual recognized by MUFON for their significant contributions to UFOlogy during the 1987-88 period. This year, the award was presented to Budd Hopkins.

Gulf Breeze Investigation

Dr. Bruce Maccabee's work on the Gulf Breeze investigation continued at an accelerated pace as he prepared his paper for the MUFON Symposium. Following the completion of his main paper, he developed a specialized technical paper focusing on the Nimslo camera and May 1 stereo photos. This paper was subsequently presented at the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) meeting held at Cornell University. For the MUFON Symposium, Dr. Maccabee created a set of special viewgraphs to accompany his presentation. These materials, including his updated MUFON paper, the technical report, and the symposium viewgraphs, are available through the Fund's publication list. His presentation at the symposium addressed objections raised by skeptical ufologists, with the arguments being summarized in the viewgraphs.

Abduction-Related Work

The abduction-related research conducted by the FUND's Executive Committee members and their associates is progressing well. Approximately 400 OMNI abduction survey forms, collected from an article in December's OMNI magazine, have been coded for analysis using a computer program. Initial results from this data are already available and can be found on the publication list. Furthermore, the FUND has established a local abduction analysis group, which includes several psychologists. This group is actively meeting with probable abductees. As part of this effort, Budd Hopkins visited the Washington, D.C. area on April 29th, engaging with a group of psychologists, abductees, and other interested individuals.

Media Outreach

In an effort to disseminate information about UFOs to a wider audience, the FUND initiated a significant media outreach campaign in early June. A letter was sent to 725 radio and television talk show hosts, offering representatives from the Executive Committee as guests on UFO-related programs. This initiative proved highly successful, leading to the scheduling of over 50 interviews within a few weeks, including an appearance on the Cable News Network. This outreach effort is estimated to have reached several million people.

MUFON Symposium Attendance

Representatives from the FUND attended the MUFON Symposium held in Lincoln, Nebraska. They maintained a table providing information and order forms. During the event, Dick Hall successfully sold approximately one hundred copies of his new book, 'Univited Guests,' which is now available through the FUND's book list.

Historical Investigations

The FUND is now making available for the first time two comprehensive investigations into the 'great airship mystery.' One report, by Robert G. Neeley, Jr., covers the U.S. incidents from 1896-1897 and includes a catalog of sightings and case analysis. The second study, by Nigel Watson, Granville Oldroyd, and David Clarke, focuses on the British occurrences from 1912-1913, providing a summary report and a catalog of over 300 cases. These four volumes collectively represent a thorough analysis of this under-investigated aspect of UFO history prior to 1947.

Future Media Projects

Looking ahead, the FUND has been involved in assisting with the production of two national television programs concerning the UFO phenomenon, scheduled for broadcast in October. On October 4th, NBC's 'Unexplained Mysteries' program will feature the Gulf Breeze case. On October 14th, a nationally-syndicated program will address the topic of U.S. Government cover-ups of its UFO knowledge and activities. Dr. Maccabee has been interviewed for both programs, with the hope that they will contribute positively to public understanding of the UFO mystery.

Treasurer's Report (2nd Quarter 1988)

Assets

As of the end of the second quarter of 1988, the FUND's total assets were $7,148.93. This is a decrease from the $7,764.10 reported at the end of the first quarter. The checking account balance was $4,961.37 (down from $5,606.91), savings and loan at $1,484.63 (down from $1,465.32), and the Dreyfus account at $702.93 (down from $691.87).

Expenditures

Total expenditures for the quarter amounted to $7,362.21. The largest expense was mail services at $3,111.35, followed by grants/investigations at $2,359.66, and other expenses totaling $1,891.20.

Income

Total income for the quarter was $6,245.90. Donations accounted for $2,756.05, sales generated $3,459.48, and interest contributed $30.37.

Financial Summary

The Treasurer's Report indicates a healthy cash flow, though contributions are still needed to support investigations into the MJ-12 documents, abduction reports, and UFO sightings like the Gulf Breeze case. Dr. Maccabee's report on the Gulf Breeze photos is highlighted as an example of meaningful scientific analysis achievable with sufficient financial support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Fund for UFO Research Inc. demonstrates a commitment to rigorous, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, as exemplified by Dr. Maccabee's work. There is a clear emphasis on both historical research, such as the airship mysteries, and contemporary cases like Gulf Breeze. The organization actively engages in public education through media outreach and symposium participation. The report also highlights the importance of financial support for continued research and investigation, noting the tax-deductible nature of contributions and item purchases. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide meaningful analysis and understanding of UFO evidence while also addressing public interest through various media channels.