Treasurer’s Report

by Laurie Thompson

I would like to begin by congratulating the top fundraising regions but also to say THANK YOU to everyone in ABATE who has helped with their regional fundraisers, sold 50/50 tickets, volunteered at state events, sold raffle tickets, etc, etc….. ABATE appreciates you and your efforts!! For award purposes, the treasury year runs from October 1 – September 30 and over those last 12 months we recognize three regions for their outstanding fundraising. The top three regions during this time: Region 1A, Region 2E, Region 2D (yes, in that order). This includes total dollars raised in their region as well as state raffles and advance Summer Hummer ticket sales. Thank you!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record… did your region have an election recently? If so, please contact me immediately so we can get your signature card updated on your regional checking account. I have been finding out a little at a time that regional officers are changing, and it’s not been from the new officers, so please contact me so we can get everything correct. All accounts need to have the regional rep, regional treasurer, executive director and state treasurer as signers. Most times I can get this handled over the phone and get the paperwork mailed to me.. but not always. Just get in touch with me and we’ll get it figured out.

Officer’s Training will be here before you know it. It is once again at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids – mark your calendar for February 8 – 10. We will certainly be discussing all the treasury topics in a separate break out session so bring questions and ideas!! I am always looking to improve the way things are done and make it more efficient for all involved. In addition to general treasury items, the raffle rules and regulations will be discussed during the general session. This year we need your help more than ever. Fundraising at both the regional and state level have gone down significantly and creative fundraising ideas are a must! What are you doing in your region that has worked? Didn’t work?? Thought about but didn’t want to try it??? I would like to make this session more of a round table discussion if we can and I will be reaching out to the regional reps to bring this up at meetings to get all member’s input.

So… speaking of fundraising… did you pick up your Sweetheart Raffle tickets at the annual meeting? If you are shaking your head no.. don’t worry, we can make plans to get them delivered to your region. Please contact me or Ken Nelson (715) 296-5404. And for those of you who did pick up your tickets – thank you! The tickets are 2/$5 and the prizes are $1,000, $500 and $250. Drawing will be February 10 before the BOD meeting at the Hotel Mead (Officers Training weekend). If each region sells 75-100 tickets we would be able to say that all tickets available were sold – what a great way to start out 2019!

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, know that I am thankful for all of you! Have a great month.