2017 Mid-Year Report

Kohls Team (Indira, Jenna, Brandi, Leslie, Lindsay)
Chelsea Martin
Rob Martin
Annie McGary
Ben Mummy
Melissa Nelson
Mark Nilson
Emerson Nordmark
Stacie Oakes
Dennis Parent
Tom Pasma
Irene Perry
Mark Perry
Antonio Domini Powell
Nancy Ptacek
Madison Queen
Richard Raymond
Ellen Raymond
Kathie Roll
Betty Romtvelt
Bobbie Sadler
Marian Sadler
Helena Schlegel
Huy Seyler
Holly Shannon
Liz Smith
Brian Soneda
Patricia Stephens
Nels Strandberg
Colvin Swanberg
Kurt Swanson
Laura Swenson
Kara Symonds
Becky Taft
Claudean Talbert
Tina Tate
Rhonda Tingley
Steve Torgerson
Chief Lin Tucker
Kris Tully
Kelly Tuohig
Kristin Twedt
Thor Orr
Bill Overby
Christine Valdez
Evett Van Beek
Estevan Vivanco Meza
Carrie Wallace
Judith Wiefels
Karin Wigen
Gable Wilkins
Officer Katie Wilson
Brian Youngquist
Jon Kull
Josh Tyler
Haley Smith
Kristia Poppe
GAP Team
Marines Corps League
Leadership Skagit
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Advancing Philanthropy Team has been busy simultaneously
engaging the community in new ways, while also building
additional infrastructure to better advocate and inform
stakeholders about the many ways it is possible to contribute
to the Club and its mission now and for the future.
This year, for the first time in organizational history, the Clubs
have an Operational Reserve. Ideally, this will grow to an industry
benchmark level of 20% of annual budget, minimally.
For now, $50,000 is a great start toward that goal, and represents
about 2.5% of the 2017 budget figure. The Reserve
can be especially important when weathering sudden economic
changes, facing unexpected emergency costs related
to facilities, or, even simply having cash available to leverage
outside resources for further commitment.
Currently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has just
over $300,000 in Endowment Funds with the Skagit Community
Foundation, and a private investment firm. While
this can produce about $12,000 annually, no draw for operational
funds is currently being taken. Instead, the focus
is increasing the overall Endowment to provide on-going,
sustainable funds of a greater sum in the future, as our
Clubs continue to grow and expand our reach to youth in
our communities. Ideally, a healthy Endowment collection
will generate as much as 25% of annual operational needs.
To achieve this would mean an endowment of more than
$10million. This is a tremendous stretch for a young organization,
but to maintain our position as leaders in youth
development, we must remain sustainable and effective,
so will continue to work hard toward a full realization, no
matter how ambitious it might seem.
There are many ways to not only continue regular support,
but also make contributions to these sustainability efforts.
One might consider joining the Heritage Club by making a
designation in a will or as part of overall estate planning.
There are many tools beyond this traditional approach that
can not only assist Clubs in reaching these greater heights
and capabilities, but provide for integrated tax planning and
savings. Additionally, in reviewing finances near the end of
calendar year, a household may determine that additional
philanthropic commitments may benefit everyone, including
charitable entities they are passionate about.
Next steps in the Advancing Philanthropy Project process
include finalizing marketing materials specific to these endeavors,
integrating information into a web-friendly format,
attending additional professional development sessions on
the many products available for legacy giving, and launching
a Campaign in earnest. A Committee, led by Board
Past-President Annette Booth is taking meaningful steps
toward reaching these goals, knowing those kids who need
us most are counting on Clubs to support them as they overcome
obstacles and reach a Great Future.