The William Way LGBT Community Center board held the last of its four public board meetings for the year Nov. 16 at 1315 Spruce St., discussing upcoming events, the senior-center project and center finances.
Co-chairs Emilie Carr and David Michelson, treasurer Ann Butchart, secretary Eric Ashton and members Al Besse, Ted Greenberg, Leon King, Matt O’Malley, Jeff Sotland and Diane George were in attendance. Members Joe Dougherty, Deb Francesco, Stephanie Gross and Moira Mulroney did not attend. Kristen Myers resigned from the board Nov. 1.
At the meeting, executive director Chris Bartlett reported on the center’s fundraising efforts, noting the center will use social media and well as traditional means for its end-of-year fundraising efforts.
Bartlett also reported that the center’s membership is down by 175 households, a 17-percent decrease from last year. However, Cornerstone membership is up by six households, an 8-percent increase from last year.
Director of center services Candice Thompson reported on the center‘s recent and upcoming events and art exhibitions.
The center’s volunteer recognition event drew 65 of the approximately 300 center volunteers Oct. 24 to North Bowl in Northern Liberties.
This weekend, the center will hold a tea dance for the Transgender Day of Remembrance at 5 p.m. Nov. 21, to celebrate the culture and contributions of the transgender community.
The center’s annual Thanksgiving Day potluck is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Nov. 25. Those interested in attending should call the center for details on what they can bring.
The center’s first exhibition in 2011 will be a collaborative effort celebrating 30 years of Men of All Colors Together.
The center’s new director of facilities, Avis Albaladejo, reported there were no changes in staff for the month of October. Albaladejo, who has been serving in an interim capacity since August, was promoted on Nov. 12. He said the center’s upcoming maintenance projects include insulating the windows and hot-water supply and repainting the lobby after the current art exhibition closes.
Albaladejo also reported that the center currently has a fourth-floor office suite available for lease. Occupancy is presently at 93 percent with 13 tenants.
For the time period of October through Nov. 16, the center had 6,919 visitors.
Treasurer Butchart delivered the center’s financial report and stated the center’s budgeted income for the next fiscal year is $662,496 and the expenses are the same, as the center plans to spend every penny.
The center was down in its net income for the month of October, with $67,693.31, which was under budget by $86,079.69. The deficit was attributed to several factors. Fundraising from the Indigo Ball — which was expected to bring in $103,300 — has totaled $39,073 to date. Bartlett estimated there is $30,000 in receivables from Indigo Ball still coming in.
Grants were also below budget for the month of October at $11,969.45; the center had anticipated receiving $24,800 in grants for the month. This deficit was attributed to the timing of the center’s expected grants. Individual giving for the month of October totaled $5,451.42, about a third of the expected $15,335. This deficit was attributed to anticipation for Indigo Ball and the center expects the end-of-year campaign to ramp up charitable giving.
Program revenue was up in October at $1,680, exceeding the estimated $590 that was expected. The excess funds were attributed to a high turnout for the center’s screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Expenses for October totaled $46,205.11, which was $1,126.89 below expectations. All expenses for the month came in under budget except the center’s operating expenses, which exceeded its expected budget of $4,010 by $2,192.47. This overage was due to expenses related to a consultant for the senior housing project.
Regarding the senior housing, Bartlett said the board will make a final decision by Feb. 28 on whether the center will continue to proceed with the project. The board voted Nov. 1 to allow the project to proceed with grant applications.
The center’s next public board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 and the board will announce the dates for 2011’s public meetings at that time.
For more information, visit www.waygay.org.
Larry Nichols can be reached at [email protected].