Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL Inc.
Opening
The monthly meeting of the Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL Inc. was called to order at 11:30 a.m. on June 6, 2019 in the meeting rooms at Lee Memorial Outpatient Sanctuary in Ft. Myers by Secretary, Melissa Tuff.
Announcements
- Anniversaries:
- Visitors/New Members: Maryann Gaffney heart transplant recipient x 1.5 years from Naples, originally from New York.
- Member Updates: Rick Keatley has been very swollen due to his kidney function declining please send him your thoughts and prayers for perfect health. Shamie Kelly has been suffering from an illness and is on the mend. Mike Terry is recovering from a recurring illness.
Reports
Secretary’s report was approved and is available on the website for review. Treasurers report reflects a previous balance of $11,770.64 to which we added $4.59 for dues paid though PayPal, a $100.00 donation from 3 Fishermen Restaurant, and $22.00 from the 50/50 for a total of $432.59 in deposits. There was also a miscellaneous deposit of $6.00 from “Your Cause” which is of unknown origin. David will refer to Shamie for clarification. We had $626.22 in expenses last month, $15.98 was paid to Cheryl Abraham for Night for Life supplies, $10.24 was paid to Melissa Tuff for meeting beverages and chips, and $600.00 was paid to Lucas Marketing for the website management leaving us with a $11,277.31 balance. Fletcher Fund met 1 week ago and elected Cheryl Abraham as their newest board member. As of 5/24/19 the Fletcher Fund had a balance of $4,410 in checking and $225,000 in the community fund bringing us to a total of $229,440.52 in assets. Due to the checking account having a lower balance than usual it was voted and decided that $10,000 would be transferred
Old Business
Paul Lewis reports more details on the Hammond Stadium (Ft. Myers Miracle) event. The stadium will provide non-profit groups with up to 50 tickets at no charge with attendees to be responsible for any parking fees charged on site. Paul is working to secure an August 10th (Saturday) evening game for the group. If we would like to have a table at the event to raise awareness for our group there will be a fee of $100 which is a reduced rate from their standard fees for organizations without non-profit status. Paul motioned that the Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL, Inc. pay the $100 fee for the table out of the organizations checking account, Steve Williamson seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed so the motion carried. Next month Paul will be bringing possible dates in for our next event at the Laugh-In Comedy Café for late September and early October at the next meeting. Flyers for the upcoming fish fry/Night for Life event will be available soon. Carlene and Melissa have finalized the details and Melissa is creating the flyer and it will be emailed to all members as well as printed copies can be delivered or picked up as needed. Tables can be reserved for larger parties if physicians or their office staff would like to attend. Members are encouraged to sit with new people in order to discuss the group and the purpose for our event. The fish fry will cost $10 per person and there will be chicken and vegetarian options for those who cannot or do not eat fish. $1 of each meal will be donated back to the group.
New Business
Donna Williamson motioned that the group obtain enough marketing materials for the next year with current logo design so that we have information to hand out at our upcoming events, more specifically the fish fry event in August. Paul Lewis seconded the motion, none opposed so the motion carried. It was also discussed that members feel the group has gotten further away from a “support group” and become more focused on fundraising. To address this concern, Donna Williamson proposed that meetings without guest speakers be limited to 30 minutes for business matters and the remaining hour is to be left for open discussion and to provide support to our members. When a guest speaker is scheduled business should be limited to 20 minutes leaving 40 minutes for open discussion and support. David Weinstein seconded the motion; all were in favor and none opposed so the motion carried. It was also suggested to grow our presence as a support group that we reach out to area hospitals regarding events they hold for non-profits to set up. Remind members to use our shirts to advertise the group and let our transplant community know we are here for them.
LifeLink
Next meeting at the downtown Fort Myers library conference room on 6/27/19 at 12pm
Upcoming Events
N/A
50/50
No 50/50 drawing this month
Night for Life XII
Bonita Bills Waterfront Café on August 3rd from 5-9 pm
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 1:02 p.m. by Secretary, Melissa Tuff.The next general meeting will be at 11on July 11, 2019, at the Lee Outpatient Sanctuary 8960 Colonial Center Drive Fort Myers, FL 33905
Minutes submitted by Melissa Tuff, Secretary