Dear Lincroft UNICO Members, As we approach our first anniversary I thought it might be important to revisit why we are members of UNICO and provide you with a few updates and aspirations. We joined UNICO to donate our time and financial resources to help local individuals less fortunate than ourselves. We joined UNICO to socialize with fellow Italians. We joined UNICO to be a part of a larger organization that provides oversight and guidance to our chapter as we continue to grow. We joined UNICO because we are proud of our heritage and want to promote our generous Italian good nature and integrity. We joined UNICO to set an example for our children and grandchildren with the hopes of passing the baton to them in the future. We joined UNICO because we are all PROUD Italians. Looking back at our first, pre charter, meeting in April 2007 it is encouraging to witness how far we have come since that very first informal gathering. Here are some of the highlights: v Membership/Expansion v Heritage and Culture v Fundraising v Scholarship v Public Relations Dues History In 2007 we chartered our chapter and collected $55 from all adults and $0 from the youths (ages 18-24). This money was sent to National to cover our startup costs, administration and magazine production for the initial establishment phase. Current In 2008 we will be beginning our first full year as UNICANS and each adult will pay $100 covering the July 2008-July 2009 time period. National requires a $12 fee for youth members which our chapter will pay out of petty cash. We currently have approximately five (5) youths. Once a youth turns 25 they are considered an adult. The age they are on July 1 of the current year will determine their status. In 2008 we are required to remit to National $60 per adult member which goes toward their overall budget of $345,000. These expenses include: expansion, UNICOM newspaper, a small allowance towards officers’ travel, printed material, website and the National office expenses. National understands the problems of financing the organization primarily with member fees. They are currently looking into developing corporate sponsors. This might give us some relief on future dues arrangements. Page 2 The remainder of the yearly fee ($40) will go into our general chapter account to use as the Board and general membership deems appropriate. Examples of how we have spent general money so far include: a $4000 donation to the Jeanie Gaeta fund, a chapter post office box, a $50 gift to Bernadette and Rocky’s son (Kevin) for setting up the web-site, $25 for chapter stationery, a $65 plaque for Paul and Judith in recognition of their generous donation to the Jeanie Gaeta fund, etc Operational Points Upcoming Events Looking toward the Future Given we are still in our infancy stage, it is critical to continue to attract individuals that share our vision. Individuals who are willing to donate their time and resources toward helping us succeed as a unified organization. Please promote our organization when appropriate. Lastly, I just wanted to say thank you to our Board members for their unselfish dedication to the chapter. An active Board is critical toward long-term success. In addition, I would like to thank each and every member for their participation in our sponsored events as well as for their time and efforts in helping our chapter become a successful entity. It is my great pleasure to be associated with the type of people we have as members of our chapter. U - Unity N - Neighborliness I - Integrity C- Charity O - Warmest UNICO regards, Mark
July 2008