By Steve Bond and John Wilson
On January 17, 2005 President John Wilson called the Foundation of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International board of directors meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Attending board members were Carol Hordichuk, Steve Bond, Sue Philpot, Joe Teti, Bill Cater and Bruce Marich. Guests present were Gwen Walding, Ted Hordichuk, Nancy Esposito, Steve Nagel, Russell Willshaw and Pat Wilson. The meeting was held at the district's Bridgewater office.
Treasurer John Green provided his report via e-mail prior to the meeting. Discussion of the reports was tabled until after the financial review conducted by CPA Russell Willshaw.
Old Business
Children's Specialized Hospital Project:
John Green submitted his comments regarding the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to President John prior to the meeting. The most notable concern was the issue of the hospital treating children from states other than New Jersey. While New Jersey children are the primary source of patients, children from NY, PA and DE are treated on occasion. There was considerable discussion regarding the full disclosure of this and the impact it might have on the support of the project among the general membership. It was agreed that full disclosure is necessary.
The MOU outlines the project as being 10 years in duration with an expected commitment of $50,000 per year each year. Of this, $250,000 will go to "bricks and mortar" and $250,000 to the insurance fund.
There was discussion about "front loading" the project contributions to take advantage of initial willingness of clubs to donate. It was agreed by the board that this was not the proper course of action and that more money could be contributed at any time if it becomes available. In addition, corporate donations will be sought.
The foundation will promote the project by making the final MOU available to all members, publishing articles in the Kiwanian and conducting workshops at Mid Winter. LtG Yvette Janvier will promote the hospital and their programs. Fundraising will be a joint venture between the foundation and the hospital.
The board unanimously approved the MOU with minor corrections.
New Business:
Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training Conference:
A final report for the 2004 program was expected but not provided. President John will follow up.
Brundage Foundation:
Bill Cater reported that the Brundage Foundation is donating $2,500 to the Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training Conference and $4,000 to the Tuva project. The Foundation Board thanked Bill Cater for his efforts on its behalf.
Carrington-Swain Award:
Prior to the meeting John Green raised a concern about the award and its promotion. Carol Hordichuk reminded the Board that a brochure was printed and distributed to the clubs. Due to changes, the brochure will be brought up to date, reprinted and placed on the district web site.
With respect to the Carrington-Swain plaque that is needed, Carol Hordichuk indicated the Jackson club will pay for the plaque. Past Governor Gwen Walding indicated that she might be able to get the plaque donated at no cost and she was authorized to pursue this and report back.
Discussion also centered on making giving levels available as is done with the Hixson. A recognition for this needs to be created, and Bill Cater was authorized to work up some ideas and report back.
Foundation Letterhead:
John Green provided a draft for Foundation letterhead. A list of the officers and board will be added and use of Green's address on the letterhead will continue. President John will work up a sample and distribute it to the board prior to Mid Winter.
Miscellaneous Checks:
President John has a list of 15 checks presented to the late Governor Bob at club and division visits. All have been deposited. All future checks will go to Treasurer John for deposit. The board approved a motion that all monies collected in Governor Bob's memory be deposited and held until a decision is made about their disbursement.
The board will reissue a check for Robert Wood Johnson in the amount of $10,000 to replace a previous check which was never cashed.
Second Annual Kiwanis Autism Fundraiser:
The board approved Yvette Janvier's request for the foundation and her club to co-sponsor the event at Martell’s this year. She proposed that the first $13,000 raised go to the Foundation, and all monies over that amount be divided 50/50 between the Foundation and her club. All proceeds will be used for autism. While she did not request any funding she did ask the Foundation to assist in promoting the event. Carol Hordichuk indicated that the Board needs to be mindful that supporting this event in conjunction with a club may generate additional requests from clubs for similar support. The board also stipulated that all monies collected for autism to date be disbursed at the event in a manner recommended by Yvette Janvier.
Tuva:
A request for $5,000 to fund the Tuva project was received by the board. The request was approved subject to the availability of funds.
Financial Review:
Russell Willshaw, CPA performed a financial compilation report for Foundation accounts during 2002, 2003 and 2004. He reviewed his findings with the Board and noted the following items:
When financial officers are changed, there needs to be a transition period and training.
All mail and checks should be directed to and handled by the Treasurer.
Financial Officer bonding was suggested to protect the Treasurer and Board.
There have been no IRS form 990’s filed for 2002, 2003, and 2004 as required by the IRS. Willshaw will handle this for the Foundation.
Treasurer John is now "up to speed" on all key dimensions of the position.
The financial compilation reports for 2002, 2003 and 2004 were accepted.
The board approved a motion to purchase the criminal bond insurance as recommended by Willshaw to protect the Treasurer and Board. The board also approved the rental of a safe deposit box at the bank where the accounts are maintained to properly secure all stock certificates and CD's.
For the Good of the Order:
Bill Cater will prepare the Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training Conference brochure for this year. He is concerned how the marketing of this program might conflict with the marketing of the Key Leader program. It is possible that the Key Leader program will conflict with the Kiwanis program and reduce enrollment. We will need to discuss this with Jeanne Hagen.
Bill Cater also has a box of old Key Club pins given to him. He recommended offering them for sale with proceeds going to youth projects.
The next meeting will be at President Wilson's home on June 20, 2005.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
