Ashland Emergency FundQuietly providing hope to those in need. |
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Since 1987 the AEF has been Ashland’s behind-the-scenes, private place to which those in need have been able to turn for help. |
2004 Annual Report**February 2005 Ashland Emergency Fund - Annual Report: FY2004 The Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF) was established to assist Ashland residents in financial need before, during, or after an emergency. Who qualifies? Any Ashland resident! 2004 was a turbulent year for the Emergency Fund. The AEF fund balance has remained healthy only because of bequests received over the past few years. These bequests enabled the AEF to respond to substantial financial need in 2004 but, income fell below expenses for the first time in the 16 year history of the fund. If the income drop continues at the current pace, the fund will exhaust its balance in 2 to 3 years and will be out of business unless other income sources are developed. When the No-Smoking Law was implemented, there was a dramatic fall-off in attendance at the AEF/ Campership Bingo, the AEF's major source of revenue (approximately $90,000 in 2003). Attendance fell off about 25% BUT the revenue fall was roughly 65%. We have only just finished paying last summer's camp bills. Over time, the AEF has increased its giving activities based on cash earned by the bingo. We must recover the lost bingo revenues or else dramatically reduce our giving program. There have been two primary sources of AEF funding:
Giving by the citizens remains strong but proceeds from the bingo have crashed. To recover funding, we are:
And remember, if you want to give to a worthy cause, one that helps your friends and neighbors in need, consider making a donation to the Ashland Emergency Fund, PO Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721. We are a tax exempt charity: #22-2959481. Your gift is tax deductible. Or, if you want to volunteer, call 508-881-3404. For the AEF Board, John Ellsworth, Chairman
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