Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL Inc.
Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2017
Opening
The monthly meeting of the Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL Inc. was called to order at 11:40 a.m. on July 6, 2017 at The Sanctuary located at 8960 Colonial Center Drive in Ft. Myers by Shamie Kelly, President of the group.
Announcements
Anniversaries:
- Mariann Jefferson-Heart/Liver/Bone Marrow 20 years! (7/20/97)
- James Johnson-Kidney/Liver (7/17/10)
- Frank Tutay-1st Kidney (7/79)
- Kathleen O’Toole-Lung (7/16/09)
- Madelyn Chrone-Heart (7/30/00)
Visitors:
Joanne- Caregiver for her husband who is on hemodialysis at Cape South T, Th, Sat which is why he is unable to attend.
Member Updates:
Jenniene Moran received her 3rd kidney in Baltimore, MD through a paired exchange. She was the 6th recipient in the chain and although she has been battling some infections, she is doing relatively well and the kidney is working.
Reports
The Secretary’s report was unavailable but all past months will be finished and posted to the website soon. The Treasurers report shows a previous balance of $1216.16 with contributions of $20.00 from the monthly 50/50, $20.00 from name tags, $11.00 from hat sales, and $84.00 from Pitch for Life resulting in $135.00 in deposits. $136.16 was paid to Shamie Kelly for last month’s meetings food leaving an ending balance of $1215.00 Donna Williamson has reports from the Fletcher Fund that will be discussed more in Old Business.
Old Business
There has been much discussion and some confusion surrounding the Fletcher Fund, its purpose, and what exactly its funds can be utilized for. Donna Williamson, Fletcher Fund board member, is here to discuss this following a recent meeting of the board which addressed some of these questions. First off, it is important to differentiate the purpose between the two groups; being the Fletcher Fund and the Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL. The purpose of the OTRSWFL is to provide a place for the sharing of medical experiences among members, to provide public information and education on matters relating to organ transplantation and organ donation, and to provide “support” activities for transplant candidates, recipients, donors and families while the purpose of the Fletcher Fund is to provide financial support for members in need of assistance with medical expenses related to transplant.
Donna also provided the financial report for the Fletcher Fund showing a total net income from December 2016-May 2017 of $24,879.38 and a total balance of over $217,000. Also during the last Fletcher Fund board meeting a decision was made to raise the grant amount to $1500 annually per member. Next month there will be more discussion on the Fletcher Fund if need be as well as a final wrap-up for Night for Life 10 so that planning for Night for Life 11 can begin. The membership application is now available on the website for those wanting to refer new members.
New Business
Hats are now also available to represent the group. They are $11.00 and anyone interested can speak with Shamie Kelly regarding purchasing. LifeLink is making this month’s volunteer meeting a travel meeting to the tissue bank in Tampa. It is on 7/25 and begins at noon, information can be found on the volunteer portal of the LifeLink site if you are registered with them.
The MADD Dash 5k at Jet Blue Park will take place on 9/30 this year and this could be a wonderful opportunity to represent the group versus just LifeLink if members are interested in manning a table to provide information. Last year several members volunteered for LifeLink at the event and had a good response from some donor families who came up to share their stories.
We also have several opportunities for group fundraising and grants that are available through local businesses one of which we are already in the midst of planning. Jason’s Deli will give 15% of purchases made on the day of our choosing which Shamie is working on scheduling a date in September. Wal-Mart provides grants of anywhere from $200-2500 for local non-profit organizations and Shamie has already begun the application process on behalf of the group.
Donna Williamson brought to the floor that Chico’s also provides grants for educational purposes so this may be an option to help pay for group brochures as these are considered educational materials. In an effort to increase the social aspect of our group outside of monthly meetings, Janet and David Weinstein have so graciously offered to host a pool party/BBQ at their home on 7/30. Food will be provided just bring your swimsuits and a smile! Directions will be made available to those who RSVP via the email that will go out to group members.
Some ideas were discussed regarding the next Night for Life which included a 3-day limit on accepting auction items prior to the event and expediting checkout by using another machine and signage for a cash & check only line. Also, a date has been selected for Night for Life 11 which is April 2nd 2018. In addition, dates will be discussed next month for another comedy club fundraiser to benefit the group.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 1:48 pm by President Shamie Kelly. The next meeting will be at 11:30 am on August 3, 2017, at The Sanctuary located at 8960 Colonial Center Drive in Ft. Myers.
Minutes submitted by: Melissa Tuff, Secretary