An independent, non-profit community based organization.

Next Meeting Date

Folsom Educational Foundation – March 3, 2008 

Members present:  Jean Rishel, MaryBeth Spiegel, Dina Abbamondi, Joanne Wiesner, Peggy Ingemi, Sue Chille, Kacey Storey, Patty DelBene, and Marion O’Neill.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.

Marion motioned to approve the minutes from the December 3, 2007 meeting and Joanne seconded the motion.

Treasurer’s Report:

MaryBeth reviewed the Foundation’s finances.  A deposit of $6,549.50 was made after the Comedy Night Benefit.  Several event costs ($1,289.43) were incurred such as materials, Comedy Blast, raffle registration, pretzels, etc. The Foundation raised a profit of $5,260.  Additional Foundation expenditures included Stokes payment ($2,500), Logo Winner gift card ($20), 8^th Grade Activity Fund ($500), Home and School Mascot ($200), and Drama student activity fund ($500).  The Commerce Checking account has $6,253.16 available, the Money Market account has $20,070.09 available, and the Folsom Hunting and Fishing Scholarship account has a balance of $3,795.74.

Old Business:

Character Education Assembly:

Jean reported that the Primary Focus group who conduct the Character Education Assembly in October 2007 that the Foundation sponsored selected two 6^th grade essay winners – Christina Christian and Ty Wilson.  They will be sending a press release.

Thank You Card:  The Foundation received thank you cards from the 3^rd Grade for their field trip to see “King Tut.”

Logo Contest:

The winners of the Foundation logo contest for students in Grades 3-8 were recognized for their efforts at the 2^nd Marking Period Awards Assembly.  Ms. Abbamondi presented certificates and a snack coupon to the honorable mentions.  Mrs. Russell’s 3^rd Grade received recognition for the most submissions in the form of a $100 teacher grant for classroom supplies and snack coupons.  The first place winner received a certificate, gift card to Borders, and a snack coupon.

Winner – “Lending a Hand in Education” by Abbey McLeod

Honorable Mentions –   FEF Logo by Briana Caporale
                                                         “We Want to Help our School” by Selena Sanchez
                                                          Pencil Cup of Activities by Emmalee Carty  

GL Scrip:

The GL Scrip program is a gift card fundraiser.  The Foundation held the first fundraiser back in fall 2007 and the Foundation raised $567 through the gift card sales.  As this was the first time running the program, the Foundation did not realize we should have held onto our profit.  Instead we sent all the money to GL Scrip with the understanding that a check would be sent to use.  Lynda Carty helped coordinate our first effort and she suggested to Kacey that we hold a second sale this spring so that the Foundation can get our profit back. Kacey will contact Lynda for order forms and to setup dates.  Foundation members offered to form a committee to help with the sales collections, online order placement and gift card distribution.  The Foundation decided to only open this fundraiser to Folsom staff, friends and Foundation members.  Parents will be invited to participate in next fall’s fundraiser.    

**** NOTE – An order form for GL Scrip was distributed to staff on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.  All orders must be received by March 19, 2008.

Comedy Night Benefit:

The 2^nd Annual Comedy Night on Saturday, January 26, 2008 was a huge success.  Thank you to all Foundation members for your help in making this a great event.  Whether you helped staff the event, build baskets, or sold tickets, your support was greatly appreciated.

Several successes include:

·        283 tickets were sold

·        242 tickets collected at the door

·        About 100 audience members were parents

·        Raised almost $2,000 between the 50/50 and the gift baskets

·        Raised a total of $5,260 for Folsom students

Kacey organized the coordination of the themed baskets to raffle at the event.  With a few donations, 50 baskets were raffled off and 8 door prizes were given. Wow!  It was suggested to start our event early next year or raffle some baskets before the comedy acts to reduce the length at the end of the show.  Members also suggested limiting the number of baskets or collecting larger baskets that could hold more items.

With donations from Herr’s, Stockup, and Shoprite, we were stocked for snacks and refreshments.  The Foundation bought pretzels as well.  Left over snacks and beverages were sold to staff and at basketball games.

Danyele sent “thank yous” to all organizations and individuals who contributed to the event.  Also, staff members were encouraged to sell tickets and Jean provided an incentive for the person who sold the most tickets to earn $100 in educational supplies.  MaryBeth was our winner, selling 49 tickets!!!

Dina submitted a raffle report of operations with Folsom Borough listing our receipts for the 50/50 raffle and basket raffle.  MaryBeth mentioned that the Foundation would have to file a submission for games of chance by July 2008 for the coming year.  Also, at the Comedy Night, due to large 50/50 raffle that it might be nice to share it among more audience members so it was split in half.  Many audience members liked the idea while others felt it should be a “50/50.”  The Foundation agreed for future events to only do a “50/50” in its truest sense or call the raffle something else.

New Business:

Grants:

The Foundation received a grant request for $500 from the Drama Club for the Beauty and the Beast play production in April 2008.  It was reviewed by grant committee members and approved. Also, Home and School Association requested assistance in purchasing a Falcon school mascot.  The Foundation paid $200 towards the total cost.

Ball Field Sign:

The Foundation would like to submit a sign sponsorship form to the Folsom Athletic Association.  The Foundation members debated which size sign (4’X8’ or 4’X4’) would be most appropriate for the new logo. It was suggested that Foundation members who are teachers look at the signs on the ball field and decide which is best.  There is a first year fee for sign sponsorship which includes the cost of the sign design and then an annual fee.  What does the renewal amount contain?

Foundation members requested that Mrs. Lewis (art teacher) work with Abbey to clean up the logo to use on the sign and as the letterhead.  

Bowling:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is holding its annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at StrikeZone at 3 PM.  In the past, many Foundation members formed a team, raised individual donations and participated in the event.  Due to the bowling date falling during Spring break, many staff members are not able to form a team and bowl.  Mrs. Chille is interested in bowling and forming a team. Several Foundation members will give her team a donation. 

The Foundation discussed whether the Foundation should donate to this organization which does not currently benefit our students.  Kacey made a motion and Jean seconded it to only allow Foundation funds to be used to support educational activities that directly benefit our students.  The motion was passed.

Time Change:

Jean suggested changing the time of our meetings from 7 PM to 4 PM.  Most Foundation members are teachers or individuals who can get to the school by 4 PM.  This time change may help with membership, too.  Jean made a motion and Marion seconded it.   

Defibrillator:

Sue Chille shared an invoice for a second defibrillator in Folsom School.  Last spring, one defibrillator was installed near the gymnasium.  The 2^nd defibrillator could be set up near the nurse/main office.  A motion was raised if the Board of Education decides to purchase a 2^nd defibrillator ($1,350), would the Foundation contribute to the costs.  Most members agreed but decided to put this on hold until more information comes from the Board of Education.   

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 4 PM.

Jean presented a motion to adjourn and Patty seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.