Chapter 18. Fundraising, Donations, and Volunteers

Fundraising letter

Dear Neighbor,

Can you imagine what life would be like without the many wonderful offerings of the Rolling Meadow Community Center?

It’s a thought that very few of us want to even consider. We count on the center to provide music, theater, and civic events all through the year. Our children expect to be able to use the gym and the athletic fields.

The entire operating budget for the center is paid by very modest membership fees, ticket sales, and the generous contributions of companies, organizations, and individuals like you.

We are well aware that these are difficult times for everyone, but we believe that our town’s culture is a necessity. I’m writing to ask you to join your neighbors and business associates in making a contribution to the Rolling Meadow Community Center. We will thank you for any amount you can give.

Sincerely,

Sue Stephens

Seeking volunteers for fundraising phone bank

To Our Employees,

This coming weekend, Rolling Meadow Lumber Company will be offering its support to our local National Public Radio station in its annual fundraising drive. We will be lending our telephone lines and other facilities to the station.

We hope supporters of the station amongst our family of employees will join us in working the phones. We will have twelve phone lines to answer for twelve hours on each day; volunteers can sign up for blocks of two to four hours on each day.

We will provide a buffet lunch and our deep thanks to all participants.

To register to participate, please contact the human resources department.

Sincerely,

Melissa Pearl

Open letter seeking sponsors

Rolling Meadow Gazette

To the Editor,

As president of the Rolling Meadow Arts Council, I am writing to appeal to all the residents and businesses of our city to help us maintain a valuable community event.

Our annual summer street fair, scheduled for August 12 and 13, is in danger of being canceled because of lack of funding and sponsors.

This event has been an important part of summer for the past twenty-three years. It combines a parade, games and special activities, and an opportunity for local stores and artisans to sell their products and food. Speaking for myself, I attended as a youngster and have been thrilled to share this with my own children.

It is also important to acknowledge the economic impact of the fair on the community. We draw thousands of visitors from all through the area.

The town council voted last week to discontinue funding for setup of the fair and other expenses.

We ask businesses and individuals interested in making contributions or sponsoring some or all of the cost of the fair contact the council as soon as possible; time is running out.

Jean Craig, President

Rolling Meadow Arts Council

Announcing scholarship bequest

To All Members,

We are very pleased to announce that we have received a substantial bequest from the estate of our much beloved former member Harry Painter.

Harry’s daughter Lisa has informed us that in his will he has asked that a scholarship fund be established through our club to encourage talented young people to pursue a career in photography. We are working with the Painter family to establish a sustaining fund that will generate enough income for an annual gift to students.

At our next meeting I hope to have full details, and I hope to also announce a formal recognition by the club to Harry’s family.

Charles Vantage, President

Seeking additional contribution to community organization

To Our Valued Donors,

Asking for money is one of our least favorite tasks here at the Rolling Meadow Historical Society. You have already been very generous in your support of our work.

But the fact is that our budget is strained past the breaking point. Ticket sales and corporate grants have dropped off dramatically in the past six months, and we are in danger of having to drastically curtail many of our ongoing projects.

And so we turn once again to those who have helped us out in the past. You are among the people who truly understand the importance to the community of an institution like ours.

Can we ask you to once again support our society? Every contribution will make a difference.

If ever there was a time to show just how much you value what we do, now is the time.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Thompson

Executive Director

Making memorial donation of books

Janet Turner, Acquisitions

Rolling Meadow Public Library

Dear Ms. Turner,

I am writing to offer to the Rolling Meadow Public Library a donation of my husband’s extensive collection of books about local history. There are more than two hundred titles in his collection, and many of them are rare and valuable.

As you know, Ron was deeply devoted to our local library and museum. After his tragic death in an automobile accident two months ago, we decided as a family that the best place for the books would be here in Rolling Meadow.

We ask only that the collection be maintained and not sold individually or as a group. Along with the books, we are making a contribution of $5,000 to be used to create a place to hold the books and for the operating expenses of the library.

I hope this is acceptable to you. Please call me at your convenience to arrange moving the books from our home to the library.

Sincerely,

Susan Wheeler

Accepting donation with thanks

Susan Wheeler

Rolling Meadow

Dear Susan,

On behalf of the Rolling Meadow Public Library, I want to thank you for your generous donation of your husband’s fine collection of books about local history. We are happy to accept.

I want you to know that the library board has decided to place the books in our Golden Age room. After we catalog the collection, we would like to have a small reception to honor Ron and his family. And we will be announcing the renaming of the Golden Age room as the Ron Wheeler Historical Collection.

We will be in touch soon to arrange for the relocation of the books from your home to the library.

In addition to your personal loss, Rolling Meadow is without one of its local heroes after Ron’s death. We hope our recognition of him at the library brings you some comfort.

Sincerely,

Janet Turner, Acquisitions

Rolling Meadow Public Library

Declining donation because of terms

Susan Wheeler

Rolling Meadow

Dear Susan,

Thank you so much for your generous offer to donate your husband’s fine collection of books about local history to the library.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept the donation under the terms you laid out in your letter. In our charter, we are barred from accepting any gift or donation that limits the library in any way in its operations.

In your letter you said that the library could not sell the books individually or as a group once they were in our possession. Although we would certainly be honored to have the books added to our collection, we would have to be able to sell or otherwise dispose of titles without restriction. I’m not saying this would happen now or in the future, but we are unable to agree to a permanent restriction.

I hope we can come to an agreement that would allow the donation of Ron’s books.

We would like to place the books in our Golden Age room, and the library board would consider renaming that area in your husband’s name.

In addition to your personal loss, Rolling Meadow is without one of its local heroes after Ron’s death. I hope we can come to an agreement that will honor his memory in this way.

Sincerely,

Janet Turner, Acquisitions

Rolling Meadow Public Library

Clarifying items loaned not donated

Stephen Regan, Curator

Rolling Meadow Historical Association

Dear Stephen,

I was very pleased with the work you and your staff did on the special exhibit “The Golden Years of Rolling Meadow.”

As a family we were honored to have my grandfather’s collection of paintings and sketches made a part of this show. He was a very talented and gifted artist.

On the wall above my grandfather’s work there was a plaque indicating that the artwork was a gift to the museum from the Van Dyke family.

I want to clarify that these paintings and prints were loaned to the museum, and we expect their return when the exhibit is taken down. That is what you asked for in your letter, and that is what we agreed to in our response.

I would appreciate a prompt response to this letter indicating that ownership of the artwork remains with the family and that the pieces will be returned when the special exhibit ends.

Sincerely,

Victoria Van Dyke

Returning donated items

Lester Jones

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for your recent donation of family heirlooms to the Rolling Meadow History Museum. We are very grateful to all of our supporters in the community.

I am sorry, though, to have to inform you that the manuscripts and paintings you gave to us are not originals and not of significant historical interest to be held or displayed by the museum.

We hope you will continue to treasure them in the family.

I have asked our shipping department to get in touch with you to arrange return of the items.

Again, thank you for thinking of us. We hope you will continue to be involved in the programs of the museum.

Sincerely,

Jane Wise, Curator

Rolling Meadow History Museum

Response about ownership of items on display

Dear Victoria,

Please accept my apology for the erroneous wording on the plaque accompanying your grandfather’s artwork on display at the museum.

The paintings and sketches are indeed on loan from the Van Dyke family to the museum, as we agreed. They will be returned in mid-November when we will be changing the special exhibit to our annual holiday show.

Again, we thank you and your family for loaning us your grandfather’s artwork. They were an important part of the exhibit.

We appreciate your many contributions to the museum and look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Stephen

Objecting to fundraising plans

Mary Taylor, Scoutmaster

Rolling Meadow Blue Birds

Dear Mary,

My three daughters—Stephanie, Linda, and Pam—are all members of your scout troop.

Yesterday they brought home the calendars that are to be sold as this year’s fundraiser. Each of them was given ten to sell at $10 apiece.

First of all, I think that is a very difficult assignment in this economy. It is especially difficult when there is more than one child from a single family trying to sell items to the same friends, family, and neighbors.

I think the idea of a calendar as a fundraising item is not a good one. We already receive many free calendars from companies where we shop or do business, and in any case, most of us have long ago moved our calendars from the refrigerator door to our cell phones.

In years past we have had events where money was raised through the sale of services or goods, car washes, plantings for flower boxes, and that sort of thing. I would hope these kinds of events could be resumed.

I know my girls will try their best to sell the calendars this year, but I am not optimistic that—at least for our family—the goals will be reached.

Sincerely,

Sue Tager

Complaining about listing of donor amounts

Rolling Meadow Memorial Hospital

Fundraising and Grants Department

Dear Fundraising Department,

As a resident of Rolling Meadow and a frequent contributor to community organizations, I want to express my disappointment with the manner in which Memorial Hospital handled its most recent appeal for funds.

Included in the letter I received was a brochure listing all contributors and the amount they gave in the past year. Although this may have been intended as a way of giving thanks to your supporters, I find it to be an example of poor judgment. Many of us consider our charitable giving to be a private matter, and we do not seek to be compared against others.

I would hope that the hospital—and other community organizations—ask permission from donors before listing their names and also reconsider whether exact dollar amounts should be published. Speaking for myself, your future policy on this matter will influence my decision on whether I again donate.

Sincerely,

Arthur Cooper

Complaining about aggressive fundraising

Maryjo Conrad, Chairwoman

Rolling Meadow Community Chest

Dear Maryjo,

As I hope you know, I have been a regular contributor to the annual fund of the Rolling Meadow Community Chest for the past several years.

When I was contacted by someone on your fundraising committee several weeks ago, I told the caller that due to some personal issues I was not financially able to contribute this year.

Since then I have been solicited by phone three more times. With each call, I find the approach more insistent and upsetting.

Although I support the good works of your organization, I must ask that you remove my name, telephone number, and address from your fundraising list.

When I am again able to make contributions to community organizations I will consider giving to Rolling Meadow Community Chest once again, but only if I am not harassed again by one of your fundraisers.

Sincerely,

Franklin Cheney

Objecting to professional fundraiser

David Logan, Executive Director

Rolling Meadow Art Museum

Dear Mr. Logan,

I am a longtime contributor to the operations and building fund of the Rolling Meadow Art Museum.

I was recently contacted on the telephone by a man asking for a donation. I always object to solicitation on the phone, but I was particularly annoyed by this call. The person on the line was obviously reading from a script, and when I stopped him to ask a question he became flustered. It was then I determined that he was working for a professional fundraising company hundreds of miles away in another state.

I realize that times are hard and the museum is in great need of sustaining gifts. However, I find it very objectionable that any part of a gift I might give would be used to pay an outside company making calls. From what I understand, some of these outfits keep 50 percent or more of the money they raise.

At this time, I have decided to withhold any further donations to the museum.

I feel you owe an explanation to the community about the use of outside fundraisers, including full disclosure of the percentage of money that will be paid to the company.

Thank you.

Carla Robbins

Declining request for contribution

Donna Perkins, Chairman

Rolling Meadow Art Society

Dear Donna,

I just received your letter asking for our participation in the annual fundraising gala for the Rolling Meadow Art Society.

This is a wonderful event for an excellent cause; I am sure you will do a fine job as chairperson of the committee.

I am sorry to tell you, though, that we have decided to reduce our charitable contribution. We plan to alternate our giving among a number of worthy organizations each year; I expect that we will return as sustaining members at another time.

Sincerely,

Melissa Pearl

Declining request for contribution for cause

Dear Fundraising Committee,

I have received your letter asking me to participate in the Rolling Meadow Green Action Council fundraising campaign.

Although I consider myself an environmentalist, I choose not to contribute to an organization that is campaigning for a complete ban against clear-cutting of domestic forests. Although I appreciate your concern, I want to point out that the American Lumber Institute has worked closely with environmental groups to develop new methods for sustainable renewable forestry products.

I hope you will reconsider your group’s position on this issue. In the meantime, I will give my political and economic support to those organizations with which I find common cause.

Harold Dean

Declining to offer donation because of disagreement

Evan Corn, Director

Rolling Meadow Historical Museum

Dear Evan,

Every time I walk through the museum I realize how fortunate we are in Rolling Meadow to have such an outstanding institution in our community.

However, I have decided to decline to make my annual contribution this year because of my disagreement with some management decisions. I am sure it will come as no surprise to you that I strongly opposed the plan to divert operating income to pay for the rehabilitation of one of our lesser properties to serve as the home for the museum’s director.

In addition to representing a diversion from the key mission of the museum to preserve and promote our local heritage, this major expenditure of money amounts to a substantial increase in salary for the director.

My previous contributions have all been aimed at supporting the mission of the museum. At this time, I do not want my money spent on unrelated and ill-conceived matters.

Sincerely,

Karen Connor

Withdrawing corporate support

Jean Craig, President

Rolling Meadow Arts Council

Dear Ms. Craig,

For the last four years Richardson Tire and Auto Supply Company has been proud to be a corporate supporter of the Rolling Meadow Summer Festival.

We are a family owned business and our roots will always be in Rolling Meadow. This summertime event is a tradition very dear to us, and we along with the whole community would be deeply saddened if it were not to continue.

However, as it has many other companies, the difficult economy has affected our business and we simply are not able to offer our support this summer.

I plan to make a small individual contribution. When sales pick up again, we hope to resume our corporate donation.

Sincerely,

Philip Hurley, President

Richardson Tire and Auto Supply Company

Withdrawing funding for cause

Jean Craig, President

Rolling Meadow Arts Council

Dear Ms. Craig,

The Crossroads Restaurant has been proud to be a corporate sponsor of the Rolling Meadow Contemporary Art Museum for many years.

However, it is with regret that we inform you we have decided to immediately end all support for the museum.

Although we fully believe in artistic freedom, we do not want to be associated in any way with the exhibition of work by the photographer Peter Sherry scheduled to open next month.

We find Mr. Sherry’s work to be highly objectionable. We do not want our customers to mistake our general support for the arts for an endorsement of his photography.

We will reconsider our involvement with the museum after the end of the exhibit.

Sincerely,

Robert Johnson

Crossroads Restaurant

Complaining about use of donation

To the Editor,

I have been a regular donor to the general fund of the Rolling Meadow Animal Rescue Organization.

I think it is important that we humanely care for animals and control against overpopulation, and I have been proud to be associated with the Animal Rescue Organization.

I was shocked to see photos and a story in last week’s newspaper about a twentieth anniversary gala held in Rolling Meadow at one of the most expensive restaurants in town.

When I checked with the organization, I was told the party was paid for from the general fund. I think this was entirely the wrong message to send to donors; my contribution was intended to help animals in need.

I hope other donors will join with me in insisting that any future fundraising efforts by the rescue group come with a promise about the purposes for which the money will be used.

Sincerely,

Francis Crocker

Asking proper allocation for endowment

Commissioner John Davis

Parks and Recreation

Rolling Meadow

Dear Commissioner Davis,

Four months ago my wife and I made a substantial donation to the Parks and Recreation Department of Rolling Meadow.

We made this gift in honor of our grandchild, Michelle, who is confined to a wheelchair. The money from this endowment was to be used to finance wheelchair ramps and make other handicapped-accessible improvements to the Rolling Meadow parks.

We have just received the year-end report and our name is included with those who have made donations for the construction of a new swimming pool in Venetian Park.

That was not our intent, and under the terms of our donation—a legally binding agreement approved by the town counsel—we have the authority to ask for the return of our donation if the ramps and other improvements are not made.

Please advise the status of the project or your plans to return the money.

Thank you.

Phillip and Helen Cuomo

Seeking sponsors for hockey team

Rolling Meadow Rink Rats

Rolling Meadow

I feel confident in my belief that you share with me a great pride in Rolling Meadow’s newest civic center, the Rink by the River.

Our beautiful skating rink is due to open in two months. When it does, it will be a center of activity for our children in elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the general public. And we also plan to use the building for other events including concerts, dances, and lectures.

The biggest hurdle was raising funds to pay for the construction of the facility, and for those who helped in the capital campaign we are very grateful. The names of all contributors will be posted in various locations in the building.

I am writing to you, as a representative of one of Rolling Meadow’s prominent organizations, asking for your support in operations through the year.

I would like to invite you to sponsor a team, an activity, or a section of the building. We would be happy to list your company’s name on uniforms, scoreboards, signs, and even in logos embedded in the ice.

I am enclosing a breakdown of some opportunities for involvement and would be happy to discuss this or any other ideas you might have. I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you.

Mark Lacy, Chairperson

Rolling Meadow Rink Rats

Seeking coaches for hockey team

To Parents,

We are very excited at the upcoming grand opening of the skating rink here in Rolling Meadow. As members of the school district’s athletics department, we look forward to the involvement of all of our students and the rest of the community in free skating as well as organized hockey leagues and figure skating classes.

Many of you have already committed your valuable time to fundraising for the construction of the rink; we thank you again for your involvement.

Now we are asking for your talents and skills in running activities at the rink.

We need coaches and assistants as well as general volunteers to help sell tickets, work at the skate rental shop, and perform other duties. You don’t have to have won a gold medal at the Olympics (although we would be thrilled to have you on the team), but if you’ve played hockey or are an accomplished figure skater we’re certain you have some skills you can share.

I look forward to hearing from anyone in the community who wants to join us in our new community gem.

Thank you.

David Simyoni, Athletic Director

Rolling Meadow High School

Seeking to arrange car pool for hockey team

To Hockey Moms and Dads,

With the number of practice sessions and games our children attend as members of the Rolling Meadow Hockey Club, I think it would be a great help to us all if we could organize a car pool. This will allow us to reduce the number of cars and parents in motion each day.

I would be happy to help organize the car pool. If you’re interested, please send me a note telling me the number of days per week and the times you are available. It would also be helpful to know the size and type of vehicle you drive.

One possibility suggested by the coach is to try to get one or two vans or small trucks to carry all of the hockey equipment, and then we can transport the kids in ordinary cars.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jean Baldelli

Offering to volunteer at library

Charlotte House, Director

Rolling Meadow Atheneum

Dear Ms. House,

My wife June and I recently moved to Rolling Meadow after retiring from careers in education in Minneapolis.

I would like to offer our services as volunteers in the library; we have done this sort of work in the past and have enjoyed it very much and met some great people. We have worked at the front desk, as research assistants, and as floaters to assist visitors.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. We’re ready to be put to work.

Sincerely,

Harry Harmon

Complaining about scheduling for volunteers

Steven Monroe, Executive Director

Rolling Meadow Science Museum

Dear Dr. Monroe,

For the past four years I have been proud to volunteer my time at the Rolling Meadow Science Museum. It is one of my favorite activities since I retired as a professor from the university.

However, I am afraid that some recent changes in management are making it increasingly difficult for me (and many others) to continue to give our time.

For years, volunteers were asked to sign up for available slots on the schedule. This works very well for all of us because it allows the flexibility to fit our volunteer time in with doctor’s appointments, travel plans, and other demands on our time.

In the past six weeks, though, the new manager of volunteer services has been assigning us to work schedules without consulting with us. I know for a fact that this has caused a great deal of upset among the volunteers and also resulted in a number of cancellations of shifts.

We are not paid for our time, and we should not be thought of us salaried employees whose working hours can be assigned by a manager. I hope you can address this problem before it becomes too great to solve. All of us would very much like to continue our association with the museum.

Thank you.

Julia Duffy