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Turning $1,000 into $8,000 for ATA-funded research

Phil Morton isn’t a magician. But when he found a way to turn his $1,000 donation to ATA into an $8,000 gift, it seemed like magic.

How did he do it? Phil took advantage of a generous, three-for-one gift-matching program offered through his employer, Oregon-based Gaylord Industries. Their parent company, ITW (Illinois Tool Works), sponsors the match.

Guitarist Phil Morton, far right, and his 60s-era band, the Tempests

By donating $1,000 through his employer’s program, Phil turned his gift into $4,000 for ATA. But it didn’t end there. Phil’s donation supported Donna Brown’s Mount Rainier climb, which was matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor. As if by magic, Phil’s $4,000 instantly became a whopping $8,000 for ATA’s research program.

Phil’s nimble donation is the latest of the innumerable contributions this 62-year-old Portlander has made to ATA since he began as a volunteer back in the early ‘80s. That was shortly after he developed acute tinnitus while performing with his popular rock ‘n’ roll band, the Tempests. Since then, he’s had to cope with constant ringing in both ears that ended his band-playing days and severely limited his lifestyle.

A lifelong music lover, Phil can’t attend concerts, play music or even listen to it. Tinnitus affects his job and limits his favorite hobby – carpentry.

Like most tinnitus sufferers, Phil is frustrated that there is no cure for  the condition. That’s why he’s so passionate about ATA and its mission to advance tinnitus research and find that cure. Phil spent 21 years on ATA’s Board of Directors, including two terms as board chair. The first nonscientist to join the board, Phil ended his board service in June 2007.

Phil says he will continue to donate to ATA and its cause, and he urges others to do the same. “Without funds, researchers won’t find a cure,” he says. “And donating to ATA is a way to help other people who have tinnitus. It’s been almost therapeutic to think I’ve helped people get help or prevented someone from getting tinnitus.”

You can join Phil in his quest to end “ringing in the ears” by joining, renewing or giving to ATA.