The William Way LGBT Community Center’s board held its third public board meeting of the year June 25 at 1315 Spruce St.
All board members were in attendance.
Executive director Chris Bartlett, who was on a tour of New England as a guest of the Q Foundation, and facilities coordinator Avis Albaladejo were not present for the meeting.
Director of center services Candice Thompson reported that June was a great month for the center’s art gallery. The public response to the “In Visible Skin” exhibition was “phenomenal,” she said, making it one of the gallery’s most popular shows ever.
Thompson also reported the center is working to secure funding for its new SAGEWorks program for people 40 and older. The center has no contract for funding yet, just some verbal commitments, she added.
Thompson also gave the facilities report in Albaladejo’s absence. She noted that the first-floor office spaces have been repainted and tenant occupancy is at 93 percent.
Board co-chair Laurie Ward reported that turnout for last month’s Homecoming event was good but the center is looking into getting a headlining performer for next year’s event.
Michael Pomante delivered the development report, which addressed leaks the building is experiencing. Pomante also reported that the center has applied for a grant for its archives from the William Penn Foundation for the maximum amount of $350,000.
Pomante also announced themes for the upcoming monthly Way Gay Power Play fundraising events, which include a flip-cup tournament in July, a drag karaoke event in August, an outdoor cinema event in October and an LGBT wellness festival in November.
Kim Keegan reported on the center’s finances. The center reported a total income of $33,352.02 for the month of May, less than the projected income of $38,260.00. Events, fundraisers and program revenue were above expectations but grants and individual giving were below expectation, leading to the shortfall of $4,907.98 in expected income. From October-May, total income was about $327,785.
Total expenses for the center for the month of May were reported at $64,984.73 and expected expenses were reported at $53,079, a difference of about $11,905. The overage in budgeted expenses was attributed to the cost of Philadelphia Foundation fees ($500), and audit ($2,900) and program-related expenses, which included $5,616.12 in grant-specific costs. Expenses from October-May were $474,393.
The center’s current assets stand at $152,822 and, with fixed assets, are $1.16 million.
Ward reported on nominations for new board members.
Member David Cermak will be leaving the board in December. Ward said there is a possibility that there will be up to three open seats. The board is looking for new members with backgrounds in fundraising and facilities.
For more information, visit www.waygay.org.