Firm deadline set for requests
By Kathy Thomson
Directors of the Albany Chest met on Wednesday, Sept. 4, to organize the 2019 fundraising drive, elect four board members, and vote on officers for the upcoming year.
The deadline for organizations to turn in funding requests was set for Friday, Oct. 4, and the board’s next meeting will be held at The Feed Store on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5:15 p.m. to evaluate applications and decide on a fundraising target for the 2019 Chest drive.
Last year, a goal of $42,000 was set, with $42,157 raised.
Board Elections
Directors who have been on the board for two consecutive three-year terms cycle off according to the Chest by-laws.
Donnie Lucas and Keri Hebel both cycled off of the board, with Melinda Lucas and Jana Kitchens elected to replace them.
Austin Sherwood and Clint Chapman were relected for second terms.
Officer elections followed. Amy Kelly was reelected as chair. Melinda Lucas is the vice chair and public relations officer. Tisha Wilkins and Susie Beard return as secretary and parliamentarian respectively.
Paige Adair will continue in the role of treasurer as an appointed position.
Other directors include Robert Dacus, Lacey Anderson, Susan Montgomery, Sara Wilson, and Mindy Skelton.
Funding Requests
A request form is required to apply for funding.
“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.
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, Adair at First National, or Lucas at the News office.
After all the requests have been reviewed at the next meeting on Oct. 9, 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. 9 meeting to kick off the 2019 campaign.
