An independent, non-profit community based organization.

Next Regular Meeting Date

Folsom Educational Foundation – January 5, 2009 

Members present:  Danyele Passalaqua, MaryBeth Spiegel, Dina Abbamondi, Kacey Storey, Megan Scheer, Andrea Derringer, Janet Worrell, Joanne Wiessner, Rita Howell, Marion O’Neill, Patty DelBene, Peggy Ingemi, Linda Thomas, Alicia Pickul, and Jennifer Cirillo.

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM.

Joanne motioned to approve the minutes from the November 3, 2008 meeting and Rita seconded the motion.  The motion to approve the minutes was approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

MaryBeth reviewed the Foundation’s finances. To date, the balance in the Commerce Checking account is $2,116.99. Several payments were made:  GL Scrip, 6^th Grade Stokes Trip, Games of Chance, 5^th Grade Philadelphia Trip, and a few miscellaneous items.   The Money Market account has $25,145.37 available, and the Folsom Hunting and Fishing Scholarship account has a balance of $3,716.55. Patty motioned to approve the financial report and Marion seconded the motion.  The financial report was approved.

Old Business:

Great Lakes (GL) Scrip Report:

Dina reported that the Foundation earned $1,350 from the fall GL Scrip (gift card) fundraiser.  The gift cards were distributed during the week of November 17^th and during parent/teacher conferences.     A newsletter was sent home to all families thanking them for their participation, letting them know the cards were available for pickup, and reminding them about the upcoming comedy show.  A winter/spring order was previously discussed.  However, due to tough economic times and the state of store closings, the committee suggested postponing this fundraiser.   Rita made a motion to delay the next GL scrip for later in the year or until next fall.  This motion was seconded by Linda and approved.

Grants Report:

The following teacher grant was approved at the Comedy Night Committee meeting on December 18, 2008:

• Supplies for Therapeutic Listening Services ($375) for Child Study Team

Danyele also presented a teacher grant from Pre-K to visit the Hammonton Post Office and Police Department in February to learn about community members.  The grant requests funding for bus transportation, about $200.   Dina motions to approve the Pre-K grant and Linda seconded it.  The motion was approved.

New Business:

Renewal of Sign:

Last year we rented a sign at the baseball field to promote the Folsom Educational Foundation and its committee to Folsom students.  It is time to renew the sign with the Folsom Athletic Association.  The cost will be $125.  Linda made a motion to renew the sign and Peggy seconded it.  The motion was approved by all. 

8^th Grade Award:

Dina proposed to set up an award for a deserving 8^th grade student. This award would be presented at graduation on behalf of the Educational Foundation.  It was suggested to check with Anita Hoffman as to what awards are already available and what their criteria are.  An award committee was created to help determine what criteria the student must meet to receive the award.  The chair will be Dina and the committee members are Alicia, Peggy, Patty, and Marion.  A meeting will be scheduled after Comedy Night.

Correspondence:

Rita proposed the Foundation send a card to member Trish Arena, wishing her a speedy recovery. 

Comedy Night:

The Foundation will hold its 3^rd Annual Comedy Night on January 24, 2009.  A second committee meeting was held on December 18, 2008.  The committee reported the following:

• The BOE approved the facilities use. Danyele received an Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement to sign.  She feels uncomfortable having her name on the agreement.   She will be meeting with Jean to discuss the options.
• Cost of the comedian will remain $1,000 as long as the same amount of tickets are sold
• Ticket cost will remain $15 in advance/$20 at door
• Time Change:  6:30 PM doors open/7:30 PM show time
• Show Tickets – The tickets will be printed this week.  A flyer will go home this week notifying families the tickets are available.
• Raffle Tickets – Door prizes will be announced before the show.  Kacey will coordinate the Chinese Auction.  Each classroom will have a theme and other groups will have a theme for a minimum of 19 baskets.  A letter will be sent to classroom teachers this week to begin the collection of basket items.  Some business solicitation will take place. A special sheet will be used with pull off tickets ($10 per sheet/$20 for 3 sheets).  It was decided to order blue and start with the number 100.  Megan offered shredded paper for basket stuffing.   It was suggested that teacher’s could ask room mother’s for assistance with basket coordination, etc.
• Cash Drawings:  Instead of holding a 50/50, two cash drawings will be offered.  These drawings will use the regular raffle tickets ($5 for 10 tickets/$1 for 1 ticket).  These tickets have been ripped in sets of 10 and Jen donated another roll of tickets in case they’re needed.
• Promotion:  Dina updated the flyer and provided copies to members to post.  Rita, MaryBeth, and Sue will post flyers and help promote the event.  Danyele will contact Mr. Michelini, who has offered to set up the blinking sign at the corner of Rt. 54 and Mays Landing Rd.  Two large posters (created and printed by Vicki Lewis) are hanging in the school.  Large posters will also be posted at Borough Hall and Stock-up.
• Student involvement:  Andrea made a motion that the class that sells the most tickets to the Comedy Night will earn an ice cream party sponsored by the Foundation.  Joanne seconded the motion and it was approved.
• Food:  Refreshments will be offered at no charge for ticket holders.  This year the admission ticket will be punched after two items have been received.  Donations are starting to be coordinated:  Stockup (Water/soda), Herr’s Chips (3 to 4 boxes), Shoprite (Water), Philly Pretzel Company from Williamstown Pretzels (donate 100 if we buy 150 for about $40), possible Pepperidge Farms donation, etc. Danyele will touch base with the kitchen regarding incidentals like napkins, ice, mustard, etc. Patty and Megan have volunteered coffee urns.  We will check with the kitchen, if another urn is available.  Patty also offered to supply cups, cream, sugar, etc.
• Sound set-up:  Lou volunteered to help with sound and other set-up needs.
• Other items:  Danyele registered the raffle with Town Hall.  Rita received a commitment from WalMart for a gift card donation.  Megan offered student support from her Leo club. 
• A committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2009 at 3:30 PM to finalize tickets, baskets, details, etc.

Other Business:

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM. (Note: this has been re-scheduled to Monday March 9th @ 4:00 pm in Room 116.)

Patty presented a motion to adjourn and Megan seconded the motion. The motion was approved. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM.  

Next meeting topics:

• Comedy Night
• School Assemblies
• Grant Committee
• Award Committee
• Spring GL Scrip Fundraiser