July 17, 2014 Good Day Ohana!! This is a very important post and I ask that you take a few moments to read it thoroughly. Papa Michael and Daddy Jeff need to have a very serious conversation with you about fundraising. I know, I know...we all hate talking about funding BUT today more than ever it is essential. We have always made every effort to keep our conversations about fundraising casual and gentle. We post a daily reminder about the ways you can contribute, and include that same information in posts throughout the day to make them accessible...we really try to not be up in your face about the need for funding. Every month 1,000s of people enjoy our page and our posts and every month we fail to achieve our financial needs. We do receive generous contributions from about 50 people per month on average...$1, $5, $10, $100...all of which we are deeply grateful for and they do MAKE A DIFFERENCE...not that does not mean it is enough. I think one reason is that Papa Michael and Daddy Jeff have made it very clear that we pick up much of the costs that are not covered, something we cannot continue to do. When we hired lawyers to create a non-profit organization, filed with Washington State and the Federal government to be recognized as such then applied for non-profit status...all at the recommendation of friends, associates, strangers, veterinarians because they believed that what we did was a public service...we never meant to fund the organization forever. The plan was to bank roll the start-up costs and then allow the public to support our efforts moving forward. It has been four years now that we have been doing this work, the last two as an official organization...we have a business license, Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. We cannot continue to finance the organization at the rate we have been for two reasons. Reason one, we have nearly exhausted our savings, investments and retirement and while we have back up funds we would like to hold onto those for an emergency. Reason two...the IRS contacted us to let us know that they have nearly completed our application for tax-exempt status and everything looks in order. The one concern they have is the ratio of where our funding comes from. The IRS requires that at least 2/3 of all funding come from public support...only 1/3 can come from Michael and I. So if our operating expenses are $60,000 per year we can only give $20,000...the rest has to come with from the public. Right now, as they pointed out, the ratio is more like 75% Michael and I, 25% public. Right now, even with the contributions we have received this month the bank account remains at zero, the expenses accrue every day and we have outstanding debt of $4500 in the form of credit cards that were used to cover gaps in funding. Please help secure the future of Angels with Misplaced Wings as it operates now, and hopefully provide us funding to reach even more animal companions in the future. Make a contribution...every $1 MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Michael and I are once again looking for ways that we can cut back personally, although I am not sure there is much room there since we dont splurge on anything unless it is for the kids. We are wrangling up what material possessions we have left for the upcoming benefit and exploring other options to secure funds. If you cant contribute, then share...it takes moments to share and you have no idea what impact that can have. I hear everyday from people...usually 100s every week...that something we shared made them smile, laugh, warmed their heart, provided relief from stress or grief, informed them of medical knowledge that helped their companion AND more... We are providing a service to the community far beyond just caring for the companions that others threw away...we are providing knowledge, understanding and compassion to the Ohana...I believe that is priceless. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to read this and we are looking forward to coming together as Ohana and ensuring the purpose of Angels with Misplaced Wings continues. Love, Daddy Jeff, Papa Michael, Cesar, Camo, Benjamin, Howard, Papillo, Iris, Hilly, Hemi, Mara, Bo and Luke
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:40:37 +0000
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