March / April Newsletter 2017
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MARCH - APRIL 2017 Foundation Day 2017 Wednesday, March 15 11:30 AM social Noon lunch 12:45 PM presentation of grants Woman’s Club Join us to celebrate 50 years of giving from the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation on Wednesday, March of 15. This year, in addition to the $100,000 gift to Enderis Park, we will distribute $50,000 to deserving nonprofits Wisconsin in the five-county Milwaukee area. A committee of 22 dedicated Club members spent 217 hours reviewing 27 Foundation Day grant applications. Twenty-two organizations were selected to receive grants between $2,000 - $3,500 for their work in the areas of the Arts and Arts Education, Health and Human Services, and Education. Celebrating At the luncheon, all grant recipients will have the opportunity to speak about their organizations and how 50 Years of Giving they will put our Foundation dollars to work to improve the community. We hope all members will attend — and bring a friend — as we celebrate “the Club’s finest hour.” The 2017 Grant Allocation Committee has completed its work. The Committee recommended, and the WCW Foundation Board approved, the funding of grants to the following agencies: Autism Society Early Music Now Renaissance Theaterworks Benedict Center Milwaukee Chamber Theatre SHARP Literacy Camp Hometown Heroes Milwaukee Children’s Choir Skylight Music Theatre The Cathedral Center Milwaukee County Historical Society St. Catherine Residence Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist / Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Sunset Playhouse Open Door Café Nehemiah Project Victory Garden Initiative CORE/El Centro Notre Dame School Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Dominican Center Prevent Blindness This year the Foundation will distribute $50,000. Thank you to all Club members who contributed funds to the Foundation during the past year. Without your generosity we would not be able to offer this support to the community. Thank you also to the following group of Club members for their time, diligence, and thoughtful assessment: Joan Bruce Betsy Haushalter Pam Stark Mary Connelly Ellie Jacobson Maggie Stoeffel Lydia Cooley Rachel Larrivee Vicki Streich Vickie Delgadillo Rita Larsen Sheila Taphorn Tanja Felton Pat Matusiak Faye Wetzel Kathy Geiger Mary Peterson Marian Yoder Kathy Gridley Holly Ryan Kathy Grogan Amy Schneider 813 EAST KILBOURN AVENUE | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202 | P: 414.276.5170 | WC-WI.ORG President’s Message by Betsy Prinz It’s February and we begin the final quarter of our fiscal year. February also means that Valerie, Robb, Jan, and others of our staff begin the budget process for fiscal 2017-2018. Calculating the revenue for the Club was a much easier process when we had a full membership of 600+ women: number of members x dues = revenue, with any weddings or private parties being a revenue bonus. For the past years and again this year, because we are not at full membership, our membership dues are not enough to sustain the operation of the Club at the level that our members expect and deserve. For the past years, the greater part of our revenue has been derived from large parties and meetings and weddings, not annual dues. We were fortunate, when preparing last year’s budget, that we had many weddings and events already on the book for 2016-17. This additional projected revenue enabled us to meet projected expenses with annual dues plus a modest special assessment of $250. Although we try very hard to attract new members, encouraging all members to introduce the Club to others, we have not been successful in increasing our numbers. Consequently, the Board and the staff are aware of our need for additional revenue streams and are pursuing a variety of options. Conversely, Valerie, Jan, and other staff are continually looking for means to reduce expenses. So, why am I telling you all this, giving you information that you’d rather not have to think about while you’re enjoying yourself in our lovely Club at a program or luncheon? Because now, more than ever, we need our members to realize our financial position. We need everyone to realize the importance of increasing our membership numbers and, until that occurs, the necessity of bearing an increased financial responsibility. And I’m asking all of us to respond when we present new options that may only be successful through member participation. For the past year and a half, you have heard me tell the history of the WCW, our vision, and our mission. We have together toasted our past, our present, and our future. I am confident that, with our combined efforts, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin will still be in operation in 2156. From the Manager’s Desk A very special thank you to the following members for hosting or sponsoring a large event at the Club; their support is appreciated. Lynn Potts, holiday dinner party Pam Shovers, sponsored a rehearsal dinner Kathleen Arenz, family dinner celebration Greta Kassam, sponsored a holiday dinner party Remember to keep the Woman’s Club at the top of your list as the perfect venue to have a special event. While we have had a mild winter, I am ready for warm weather and looking ahead to the spring and summer season. We have planned two exciting events that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, May 4, for the Spring Soiree. This year the soiree will include a unique tour of the spaces behind the scenes at the Club. The second event is planned for Wednesday, June 7 – a fundraiser luncheon and fashion show with all the latest trends in fashion, hosted by Faye’s Boutiques. The events are for all Club members, guests, and prospective members. Both will be great opportunities to showcase your Club to your friends. Details about these events are coming soon. See you at the Club. Valerie Membership News... Celebrate Your Membership…. by Cheryl Ryan Do you recall walking into the Woman’s Club as a guest or as a new member? Can you recall the enthusiasm you had? I encourage all of you to think of other women who might want to become members of our Club and share that enthusiasm. Increasing our membership ensures our longevity. Share what we have at our Club. We have a tremendous history of strong women willing to embrace their community, learn more about life through our programs, and make new friends in the many social events we offer. There are many clubs to choose from in this town. We are proud you have chosen our Club. Yes, our Club. We are what makes up this unique history. If you feel you aren’t getting enough out of the Club, please consider joining the Club table for Friday dinner to meet new people, join a new committee, or attend a program. The Club has a lot to offer, and we want you to make the most of it. Do you have an idea you might like to share to enhance our membership? I would love to hear about it. We thank you for your membership and hope you will continue to enjoy the Club while bringing new friends through our doors. See you at the Club! January 1 - June 30, 2017 In Memory of... Membership has many benefits. This is one you should not miss. WCW Active Member - Mary Ann Renz Propose One New WCW Associate Member - Mary Struck Active/Business Member WCW Associate Member - Maribeth Price Receive vouchers to attend 2 Club events* of your choice for you and a guest A value of up to $200 All New Members Initiation fees are waived, a value of up to $1,200 Receive a voucher to attend 1 Club event* Member Birthday Nights of choice with a guest A value of up to $150 March and April Birthdays All Reinstated Members Saturday, March 18 Reinstatement fee of $250 is waived Saturday, April 8 *Club events include Foundation Day Luncheon, Easter Brunch, Mother’s Day Brunch, Fireworks Buffet, Halloween Hat Party, and Holiday Boutique. Eligibility for rewards will require the new active or business member to join the Club by June 30, 2017. Bring your friends and family to dinner in Membership fees must also be paid. celebration of your birthday. Lunch Bunch Complimentary chef-selected dessert and champagne for all! Friday, March 10 11:30 AM social Noon lunch This is a great way for us all to make new friends and keep the old. One is silver, the other gold! Feel free to come alone or invite another WCW member to join us. Ask the Treasurer by Carole Montgomery “How and when is the budget developed?” In March, the amount needed to provide service that members expect and to maintain our historic building for the next fiscal year is determined and divided by the number of members in various categories as of March 1. The result guides the dues for the next year starting May 1. For the past four years dues were not increased for Active (full-pay) members. Rather than a dues increase, a special assessment was levied in order to make up the difference required. Our budget for 2016-2017 was based on a total of 287 members counting all payment categories and anticipating a net gain of four more. We added the usual member dining room revenue and included outside revenue only from events that were already scheduled for fiscal 2016-2017. Happily, several people did choose to join or reinstate during the year, but the effects of mortality, geographical moves, and category changes lowered our member level. As of January 2017 we predicted our revenue based on 283 members in various categories, not all of whom pay full dues.