Ashland Emergency Fund

Quietly providing hope to those in need.

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.

2007 Annual Report

January 31, 2008

Ashland Emergency Fund - Annual Report: FY2007

MS Word Version including Financials

The Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF) continues to improve its financial position from the days of lost Bingo revenue that resulted from the No Smoking law. The AEF finished FY2007 with a substantial positive operating balance – approx. $15,000, even with in-creased giving last year.

The positive balance comes from three sources:

1. giving by Ashland and other citizens continues apace;
2. proceeds from the AEF/Campership Bingo continue to slowly improve;
3. a Walk-A-Thon held by Ashland Citizens for the AEF returned nearly $15,000.

These are substantial positive events and indicate that the No Smoking losses in reve-nue are steadily being overcome both thru revenues generated from new sources and by increases in attendance at Bingo. All the while, giving by citizens continues to remain strong. The future of the Bingo, however, remains uncertain because the building re-mains for sale and the AEF may lose use of the hall.

In 2001, the AEF made a decision to become aggressive in supporting Ashland citizens in need. It was forced to back away from that decision in 2004 because of seriously re-duced Bingo receipts. This year’s revenue receipts of nearly $15,000 more than expen-ditures means that the fund can expand its giving programs a little further. This is a sig-nificant and very welcome turn-around from the problems of 2004 and 2005.

The AEF will continue to increase fund-raising activities and to grow the organization. Last year’s objective of attaining revenue levels on the order of $50/55,000 was achieved. A new, larger goal is now needed and will be considered at the next Board meeting.

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 (next page), or the AEF Chairman by writing to PO Box 112, Ashland or calling John at 508-881-3404 (office and cell). If you want to donate to a worthy cause, send it the Ashland Emergency Fund, PO Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721 or go on-line at www.ashlandemergencyfund.com. We are a tax exempt corporation (#22-2959481) and your gift is tax deductible.

For the Board of Directors,

John Ellsworth
Chair – AEF

MS Word Version including Financials