The Ashland Emergency Fund Annual Report 2005

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.

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2005 Annual Report

January 28, 2006

Ashland Emergency Fund - Annual Report: FY2005

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The Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF) is in trouble. While the Fund still has a strong balance sheet, reserves that have been built up over many years are disappearing.

The AEF has historically had two primary sources of funding:

giving by Ashland citizens and others
(last year = $22,419.21);
proceeds from the AEF/Campership Bingo
(last year = -$2,000.00).

Giving by citizens remains strong but, proceeds from the Bingo have evaporated because of the No-Smoking Law. A substantial percent of bingo players smoke; they do not enjoy bingo if they cannot smoke, and both attendance and proceeds have gone down.

Four years ago, the AEF made a decision to become more aggressive in its support of Ashland citizens in need. We are now forced to back away (partially) from that decision. Where we were once able to assist persons with major illnesses, we are now frequently restricted to helping these neighbors and friends locate other sources of aid.

We have tried to recover from our bingo losses by operating a second bingo. The first bingo is recovering, but not enough to make up the revenue that was lost. The second bingo is just barely covering its expenses. We have implemented other donation programs but they, too, have not taken up the slack. If the AEF is to return to 2002/3 levels of assistance, we must generate $65,000 to $75,000 annually, which is $40,000 to $50,000 more than we are now presently achieving. We must continue to look at ways to raise money if we are to recover our old mission.

If you have questions about the AEF, if you would like to become involved, if you have ideas on raising money, please contact any member of the AEF or myself by writing to PO Box 112, Ashland or calling John at 508-881-3404 (office and cell). Join us.

If you want to donate to a worthy cause, send it the Ashland Emergency Fund, PO Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721 or donate on-line at www.ashlandemergencyfund.com. We are a tax exempt corporation (#22-2959481) and your gift is deductible. We will continue to keep you current on balances via Directions and cable.

For the Board of Directors,
John Ellsworth
Chair – AEF

Operating Statement 2005

Opening Balance 01/01/05		$122,395.60

Income:
Total Income	$22,419.21
Total Income + Open Bal.		$144,814.81

Distributions
Emergency Food* (General Assistance)	$22,444.48
Holiday Assistance	$700.00
Utilities including Heat	$14,046.61
Emergency Fuel	$0.00
Housing, Rent and Mortgage Assistance	$21,689.00
Medical	$1,197.00
Fund Raising (Bingo)	$2000.00
Total Distributions	$62,077.09

Balance After Distributions		$82,737.72

Corporation Expenses
Annual Report Mailing	$0.00

Closing Balance 01/3/05		$82,737.72

Sovereign Bank (Checking)	Net Gain (Loss)	($39,657.88)
12 Front Street Ashland, MA	Net Percent	(32%)

* Food assistance is made through the Ashland Food Pantry Ashland Emergency Fund Mission Statement The objectives of the AEF are: To provide emergency financial support for citizens of the Town of Ashland, who find themselves in need, who are unable to resolve that need without assistance, and who are unable to quickly get that emergency assistance from State, Federal or other sources; To create a permanent fund from which moneys may be drawn to meet the emergency requirements of individuals and/or families living in Ashland; To establish an association of individuals able to respond rapidly to emergency situations for which the Emergency Fund itself may not have adequate resources; and To create a heightened sense of responsibility within the community of our duty to support our neighbors in need. Annual Report 2004

Ashland Emergency Fund

Quietly providing hope to those in need.

2005 Annual Report

Ashland Emergency Fund Mission Statement

Ashland Emergency Fund
Mission Statement