Unadilla Area Foundation Minutes
12-13-2011
The meeting was called to order by President Barb Wilhelm at 10:05 a.m. with Bob Brandt, Larry Larson, Peggy Leefers, and Margo Larson present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved without any additions or corrections.
Bob reported that he had applied and approval for $500 grant from the Otoe County Visitors Promotional Fund. This grant is to be used for advertising Groundhog’s Day activities.
Discussions were held on candidates for Grand Marshall and having a radio station come on-site for Groundhog’s Day.
Peggy reported that we will have a quilt show this year and that Christie Brehm will coordinate the show in room #1 at the community center (gym). Please call Christy or Peggy to register the quilts in advance of the show.
Bob indicated that this year we will be having a Groundhog King and Queen Reunion Ball in the Duncan Building from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Groundhog’s Day, Thursday, February 2, 2012. As reported in the last meeting, all attendees will be encouraged to wear historical groundhog attire and bring a potluck snack with refreshments being provided. Previous King and Queens, plus all previous candidates, in addition to anyone who believes in groundhogs day will be welcome! Commemorative vests will only be available the night of the ball. The cost will be $35. This Groundhog alumni ball will be held once every 25 years. This year will be our 25th celebration!
Bob also indicated that Groundhog shirts are in and are available at the bank or the Bar. The cost is the same as last year ($15/shirt or 2 for $25). Barb commented that these would make excellent Christmas presents, especially for young kids. They will also be on sale at the gym and Duncan Building until 3:00 p.m. on Groundhog Day
Barb reported that Michelle and Matt will coordinate the jerky and soup contest this year. They did an excellent job with the jerky contest last year and have some enhancements for this year’s soup contest. Sampling of the soup and jerky will commence right after the parade.
Barb indicated that the All Fund Drive results were excellent. We are in the process of totaling the contributions. A few additions were made to the mailing list for future use and the results will be available for next Wednesday’s newsletter.
Larry indicated that he is beginning to collect silent auction items and anyone may call him if they have a silent auction item that they would like to donate. It is suggested that items be worth a minimum of $25. Larry said raffle sales are pretty close to where they were last year and this year’s raffle will again be a commemorative 22 level action riffle.
A discussion was held about signage for the community center. It was moved by Bob Brandt and seconded Larry Larson that the foundation allocates money for a sign designating the Community Center and including the phrase “A place of meeting”.
A discussion was held in regard to establishing an endowment for the Community Center in the $250,000 to $500,00 range. Sponsoring individual rooms with a $25,000 donation was discussed, in addition to any plaque recognizing donors at different levels. A discussion in regard to using the gift of grain or livestock was reviewed. This gift is a good way to limit tax liability and make gifts to the foundation. When an agricultural producer transfers legal ownership of a commodity such as grain or livestock to a charity before it is sold, the producer will not have taxable incom on the sale, thus minimizing taxes. Production expenses used to grow the grain or livestock is tax deductible and an additional deduction may be available, if it can be used as an itemized deduction on schedule A on your federal tax return. In other words, the taxes you save on this in some instances can be over 50% of the total contribution.
Bob indicated that the regional meeting of the Nebraska Community Foundation would be a good time to get information for interested individuals. It was also discussed that matching funds could be solicited if a large pledge was obtained. The regional meeting will be held in the Duncan Building on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. A meal will be served and they will meet from 6 - 8:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be scheduled for January 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the library.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
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Robert Brandt, Secretary
Results of All Fund Drive (thru 12-14-2011)
Unadilla Community Center Endowment Fund $1,015.00
Unadilla Rescue Squad 1,600.00
Unadilla Fire Dept 1,645.00
Unadilla Library 503.00
Unadilla Area Foundation 1,198.00
Unadilla Cemetery 305.00
Syracuse Food Bank 485.00
Palmyra Food Bank 230.00
Handi Bus 110.00
People United for Families (PUFF) 202.50
Region V (Otoe Co Retarded Children) 122.50
Total $7,416.00