April 18, 2005
Present:
Carol Hordichuk, Ted Hordichuk, John Wilson, Bruce Marich, Steve Bond, Sue Philpot, Bill Cater
Guests:
Yvette Janvier, John Kirkowski, Gwen Walding, Steve Nagel, Jeanne Hagen, Pat Wilson
President John Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
Treasurers Report:
Treasurer John Green submitted a report in absentia. All monies received for the Tuva project have been properly disbursed. In addition, there was a transfer from the general fund for autism.
Members discussed the status of a $25,000 for KPTP which was never cashed. Since the individual clubs whose donations comprise this amount cannot be determined, the funds cannot be redirected without the approval of the general membership. To resolve this a motion was made to present to the House of Delegates at the District Convention a formal recommendation from the foundation that the KPTP project be officially terminated, and all unspent funds be donated to another project which supports children, subject to a review for propriety by the Laws and Regulations Committee. Motion was passed.
A discussion ensued regarding a $5,000 grant check written to "RFBD" which has not been cashed. Since this check is drawn from Foundation funds, it can be voided. A motion to void the check and return the funds to the Foundation accounts was passed.
Old Business:
Key Leader:
Jeanne Hagen reported 10 students registered for the first Key Leader session.
Grant Request:
Steve Nagel presented a grant request to fund for the Info Line of Central Jersey. Info Line operates a "211" referral system which provides referrals to social services in Middlesex, Mercer, Atlantic, Ocean and Cape May counties. This is a 24/7 operation. Currently, Middlesex County provides the operational logistics and resources for contact, referral and a web site. Mercer County intends to partner with Middlesex and "piggy back" on the resources already in place to provide 24/7 availability for their residents.
They have committed for funding for next year, but there is a short term, one time need for funds to bridge the gap between now and next year. Over 6,000 visitors access the web site monthly and many of the services provided directly impact children. Services are TTY accessible and a variety of interpreters are also available. Steve Nagel petitioned the Foundation to approve a one time grant for $3,500 to get Mercer County in the system quickly. He noted that quarterly statistical reports will be provided to the foundation.
A motion approving the request for $3,500 and to contact each Mercer County club to voluntarily make a contribution to support the grant and offset a potion of the Foundation expense was passed.
Children's Specialized Hospital Project:
John Wilson reported he was a speaker at two presentations regarding the project plus an additional 10-15 interclubs and other visits promoting the project. He said the response was largely favorable. He reminded the Board that should a group of 30 or more Kiwanians (a suggested amount as a courtesy to the speaker) be made available, the President of the hospital will be willing to speak about the project.
Carol Hordichuk has heard concerns about the portion of the funds designated for "bricks and mortar" might be better spent on the subsidies for the families that need financial support. Other input included a recommendation that the project be shortened to a 5 year target while maintaining the same funding goals.
There was a discussion involving the perceptions of the general membership and support for the project as it currently exists. There is concern this may be a difficult project to get approved at the convention House of Delegates.
It was agreed that an aggressive outreach and education program involving LtGs is needed now. Questions need to be addressed and the foundation needs to provide clubs with fundraising strategies for the project.
Martell's Autism Fundraiser:
Yvette Janvier reported that the fundraiser was very successful, netting $16,905. $14,952 will be donated to the foundation. She recommended the following disbursements be made: $4,000 Children’s Specialized Hospital Golf Outing; $3,000 COSAC; $3,000 NAAR; $2,000 POAC; $2,500 FACES. A motion to accept the donation and recommendation was passed.
Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training Conference:
The contracts are signed and all is in order. Bill Cater reported that his updated brochures were distributed at Mid Winter, through a mailing to club presidents and secretary’s, the NJ Kiwanian and district web site. We need to continue to promote the program. Bill Cater will check with Irene Gibbons for a list of Builders Club advisors we can contact to increase the distribution of brochures.
Carrington Swain:
A discussion was held on how to promote the award program, particularly with respect to providing additional levels of giving. There was no clear consensus on what will work best in our district. We need to clarify what donations can be applied to a Carrington Swain award and define what the award stands for. Bill Cater, Carol and Ted Hordichuk will form a subcommittee to address these issues and report back.
It was noted that despite her best efforts, Gwen Walding is unable to get a recipient name plaque at no cost.
New Business:
Mascenik Memorial Fund Donations:
Kathy Mascenik has requested that monies collected for the fund be used as a memorial scholarship program for Key Club. Future contributions will be placed in an investment vehicle to create an endowment. A motion to honor her request was passed as well as a motion that all funds collected from the Basket Bonanza at the 2005 convention go to the scholarship fund.
Bruce Marich will chair a subcommittee with Kathy Mascenik and John Kirkowski to develop criteria for the scholarship.
Mascenik Memorial Service Award:
Ted Hordichuk presented a concept for an annual "Commitment to Service" award to honor a Kiwanian who demonstrates an exceptional level of service. Nominations would be received from the clubs and a committee would be assembled to review them and choose a recipient. The recipient would receive a plaque and a monitary sum to donate to the charity of their choice.
The award would be presented at the district convention. An award will only be made when a suitable candidate is presented, and if none are then no award will be made.
Motions to establish the award and to give priority to nominees who favor children in their service projects were passed.
The foundation approved a motion to present Kathy Mascenik with the first award at the 2005 convention.
Resignation of Board Member Pat George and appointment of a successor:
Pat George has submitted a letter of resignation that was accepted with regrets by the board. After consideration Nancy Boucher was selected as a replacement.
Foundation Board Size:
Bill Cater raised questions about the size of the foundation board and whether it reflects the general membership demographics. It was agreed that the size of the Board could be increased and the Immediate Past Governor should be added to the board. A motion to amend the bylaws allowing four additional appointments to be phased in as appointment opportunities are realized was passed. John Wilson will develop language to amend the by-laws and present it at the next board meeting.
Grant Requests:
Ted Hordichuk noted the Board has moved away from a process already adopted to solicit and approve grant requests. There is a definite cut-off date for the receipt of grant requests so the board can review, evaluate and approve grants all at once.
Ted was concerned that approving grants on a "piece meal" basis might result in lost opportunities for support based on financial constraints.
It was also agreed that all grant requests must be accompanied by an endorsement from a K Family member, that the board will follow the proper process for future requests and to review the web site proposal to make sure it meets our needs.
The application used for grants is the same one used by KI. Brian Siegelwax is preparing a mock-up for a Foundation web site which would contain links to the various Foundation and KIrelated resources. It was agreed to follow the proper process for future requests, and
Attendance:
There are Board meeting attendance expectations, and members who do not meet them need to be contacted to ascertain their intentions.
For the Good of the Order:
1. A motion was passed to authorize a foundation sanctioned auction at an appropriate time during the convention if approved by the district board. The proceeds from this auction will go to the Mascenik Memorial Scholarship Fund.
2. A motion requesting that all funds associated with the LtG training be funneled through a Foundation account was passed.
3. A motion to funnel the monies from the KI President's visit to the district through a foundation account was passed.
4. Sue Philpot said Past Governor Bob Gall will be honored for his work by the Salvation Army. She will provide details to John Wilson.
A motion allowing the Governors of Key Club and Circle K to attend the foundation meetings as non-voting members was passed.
The next meeting will be on June 13, 2005 at the Wilson's home at 6 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
