Just what makes that little old ant Think he'll move that rubber tree plant Anyone knows an ant, can'tMove a rubber tree plant
Much like the little old ant, NoVES members have answered, “Oh, yeah?!”
At the NoVES spring membership meeting over a year ago, our then treasurer, Sven Sinclair, let the Society know that we were in financial trouble. We were operating at a loss of some $4,000. While we could get by for another year using surplus funds, after that the Society would be in serious trouble. At the fall membership meeting our current treasurer, Marv Friedlander, also let us know that our money situation was not good, but we could change that.
Obviously, NoVES members took that to heart. Now, at the end of NoVES’ 2010-2011 year, we have a surplus of $2,327. How did we gain a surplus? Through belief, commitment, and generosity. Our members stepped up to help the Society. Green Hedges, by our request, generously gave us a 10% reduction in our rent. (They have agreed to give us that same reduction this year). We made judicious cuts in our budget. A budget team carefully thought of ways to make cuts that reduced the amount of money spent but did not cut the value of the programs. We also began a holiday auction in the fall where members graciously donated services and social events that produced both funds and a wonderful holiday tradition. Finally, Society members and friends made generous donations throughout the year. We have much for which to be proud.
In continuing this spirit of belief, commitment, and generosity, at the beginning of the 2011-2012 pledge campaign, I asked all of us members to consider what we value in our own lives and in our Society and make the choice to fund those values as generously as possible. At the end of this year’s pledge campaign, 50% of our members increased their pledges and 37% kept their pledges the same. Members have shown what they value. I look forward to being part of such a dedicated group of people in the coming year. By the way, OOPS, there goes another rubber tree plant!
Mary Ellen Stanton
