THE UNCLE FIXIT ORGANIZATION
                                           A CHARITY OF ONE … INVENTING UNCLE FIXIT
                                                             by Elliot Josephson


At fifty, I had built a successful career as a Silicon Valley design engineer and an inventor (11 patents).  Yet,
something was nagging at me: I wasn't doing enough to give back to the community.  Oh, I got plenty of
requests, just as we all do.  Many organizations asked me to join and support their causes; many more asked
me to donate.   Never a "joiner," I was uncomfortable with the politics of organizations, and although I did donate,
I felt I was sending money into a black hole.  What to do?

Using my background, I set about designing my own charity, a Charity of One: I wanted to do something
worthwhile, all by myself.

I recalled that, after my father passed away, my mother had lived independently nearby, and our family visited
her regularly.  Always, the first item of business was to fix anything in the apartment that needed fixing.  Although
she was extremely accomplished as a businesswoman and an artist, she was inexperienced with tools.

It occurred to me that there must be many others like her, and the concept of Uncle Fixit was born: the kindly
Uncle who is handy with tools and fond of helping out.

I put together a toolbox, posted a notice at a Senior Center, and I was in business!  My appointment book
quickly filled up, and I had to limit my activities lest I ignore my regular work and my family!  I recall that that
period was one of the happiest and most fulfilling of my life.

Fast forward 25 years.  The heyday of Uncle Fixit had been cut short by an illness, a move and a succession of
business changes.  Today, at 75, I am no longer able to make the rounds, but a new horizon has opened up:
With what I have learned in business, I can enable the next generation of Uncle Fixits!  Each Uncle is still a
Charity of One, but thanks to the internet and the blogosphere, he has the support of a community of Uncles
(and Aunts) across the country!

Uncle Fixit rides again!  
Uncle Fixit, Inc. is a not-for-profit California Corporation hosting volunteer household repair activities throughout the
United States.  Organized under IRS Code 501(c)(3), Uncle Fixit, Inc. is recognized as a public charity and receives its
funding from private donations as well as both public and private institutions.

Directors:
Elliot Josephson, Founder
Alan Josephson, Director of Operations
Judith McFadin, Director of Finance

Of Counsel:
Jerald E. Rosenblum, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Palo Alto, CA

Accountant:
Marc Parkinson, Petrinovich Pugh & Co LLC, San Jose, CA

Contact:
Uncle Fixit, Inc.
986 Crockett Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
alan@unclefixit.org