Albany Chest applications due Sept. 29

By Donnie A. Lucas

Directors of the Albany Chest met on Wednesday, Sept. 13, to organize the 2023 fundraising drive, elect four board members, and vote on officers.

The deadline for organizations to turn in funding requests was officially set for Friday, Sept. 29, and the board’s next meeting will be held at The Feed Store on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 5:15 p.m. to evaluate the applications and decide on the fundraising target for the 2023 Chest drive.

Last year, a goal of $47,000 was set, with $42,003 raised by the time the campaign closed out in January 2023. Because of reserves in the account, the directors were able to allocate $46,650.

Chest treasurer Kalico Leech reported at last week’s meeting that late donations of $7,500 were received in March, giving the organization a healthy balance to start the year with.

Board Elections

Directors who have been on the board for two consecutive three-year terms cycle off according to the Chest by-laws, but all four of those whose terms are ending this year are eligible to serve again.

However, Daivis Gallagher asked to be replaced, and Brandi Lehew was elected to take her place.

Others who will continue serving for another three-year term are Chris Beard, Mike Bean, and Robert Dacus.

Officer elections followed, with all of the current officers reelcted, including Jana Kitchens as chair, Melinda Lucas as vice chair and public relations officer, Kalico Leech as treasurer, Tisha Wilkins as secretary, and Chris Beard as parliamentarian.

Board members whose terms expire in 2024 are are Leech, Sara Wilson, Kristie Smith, and Tracy Sullivan, while Wilkins, Lucas, Kitchens, and Jenny Scott are serving terms that end in 2025.

Funding Requests

A request form is required to apply for funding, and asks for the same information as in previous years.

“Basically, the form just asks a few simple questions requiring brief answers, and then specifies exactly what information we need to make intelligent decisions about how much money to give each organization,” said Lucas.

Forms can be obtained at First National Bank, First Financial Bank, and The Albany News, or can be requested by email at news@thealbanynews.net.

“We just really hope to get all of the information in on time, so we can have it before our next meeting,” said Lucas. “If we don’t have the forms by the due date, there is a chance that organization may not get funded.”

All organizations wishing to receive an allocation from the Albany Chest must submit a written request to the Chest, Lucas emphasized.

All request letters must be returned to Kitchens at First Financial, Dacus at First National, or Lucas at the News office.

After all the requests have been reviewed at the next meeting, a goal will be set and the fundraising drive will get underway.

The board hopes to mail letters to previous Chest donors and new prospects soon after the Oct. 4 meeting to kick off the 2023 campaign.