November 2000 Newsletter
CHAIRMAN
FONTANA SPEAKS
Leo Fontana opened the meeting, October 26th, with CONGRATULATIONS to the Golf
Committee for their huge financial success for the successful Golf Tournament,
October 7th, at The Golf Club at Roddy Ranch. The tournament netted $16,000
for An Elderly Wish Foundation. This money will be used to continue granting
final wishes to eligible seniors in East County and surrounding cities in Contra
Costa County.
Leo encouraged the Board of Directors to forget about fundraising for the time
being, and concentrate on organizing and strengthening our committees. As Friends
of the Elderly, hich is the membership at large, we can focus our time and
talent on the Public Relations Committee, Fundraising Committee or the Wish
Committee. This is how you can get involved...
Friends of the Elderly -
responsible for staffing other committees or just volunteering
at tabling events.
Fundraising Committee - creates sufficient revenues
for the organizations mission, operations, including securing
funds from major sponsors and grants, and maintaining friendly
relations.
Public Relations Committee - creates public awareness,
promotes and publicizes the organization's missions and activities.
Wish Request Committee - facilitates connecting the
most qualified candidates with their final wishes.
NEW BUSINESS
- The Board of Directors
is considering membership dues of approximately, $15
a year for one and $20 for two, beginning in January.
This would help defray the cost of mailing a monthly
newsletter to all members.
- The Board is also considering
limiting the size of the Board from 21 members to 9
to 11 members to be effective January 2001. Any other
suggestions to improve and strengthen this organization
would be appreciated.
- Directors & Officers
Insurance was approved, and will be effective immediately,
from Beswick Insurance. Anyone who is interested in
serving on the Board of Directors ( 9 to 11 members
) for the year 2001, or serving as Chairman of one
of the committees, is asked to send a letter to:
Mary K. Chapman, OR Call Mary
Executive Director @ (925) 978-1883
P.O.Box 4365, Antioch, 94531
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Tom Menasco announced that the a public relations campaign is being organized
to distribute brochures to families under Hospice care, local nursing homes
and doctors who care for the elderly in this county. If you would have some
time to call, send letters or deliver information, this committee can use your
help. We are also going to set up a Speaker's Bureau for future presentations
to service clubs, city councils, senior centers etc. to educate the public
about this great organization and it's cause. We have a promotional video,
which is "under construction" at the moment. It will be used for future presentations.
If you enjoy public speaking and meeting people this would be another way to
get involved. Call Tom at 925-754-7878.
F.Y.I.
Wishes #5 and #6 will be in the newspaper soon. These were "in-kind wishes" to
men out of our community, but with minimal expense, to our organization. We
were able to make their wishes come true and brought real joy to their loved
ones. The Board has decided that in the future our organization will concentrate
on "making wishes come true" for seniors especially in East County and nearby
cities in Contra Costa County.
Thanks to all those who worked at the Rivertown Jamboree Booth in September.
The raffle raised $573 for AEWF. Thanks to Fine Things, Anywhere Travel and
Straw Hat Pizza for their donated prizes.
The Monthly Board of Directors Meetings will now be held on the third Monday
of each month from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M..( instead of Thursday) All those
interested in being a Friend of the Elderly are welcome!
Our Holiday Activity is for all of us to keep our eyes and ears open for the
opportunity of granting a final wish, to a terminally ill senior, in this community.
You may have a neighbor, friend or relative of a friend, that could benefit
from our organization. What a special Christmas Gift that would be! Call 925-978-1883
if you have a person in mind. Remember to visit a senior you may know, that
is without family, or shut-in for health reasons, this holiday season. Sometimes
a smile or phone call is all they need! |
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