Andrea Handley
Many of you will remember the great success of the 2006 National AGO Convention in Chicago. A splendid group of AGO members from the Chicago, Fox Valley and North Shore Chapters worked diligently to arrange for inspired music-making, educational opportunities and social gatherings. From all of their hard work, a profit of over one-hundred thousand dollars was realized.
This substantial profit soon became the basis for a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation. (San Francisco and Washington, DC Chapters initiated similar foundations after their National Conventions.) Board Members were appointed from each of the three chapters, meetings were held, by-laws were established, officers were chosen, bankers, accountants and lawyers were consulted, the IRS and Attorney General became involved and a few small grants were awarded.
Over a period of approximately four years, various board members began to question the validity of time spent versus positive concrete results. There were several required delays and some unexpected requirements which provided on-going frustrations. Thus, the Foundation’s Board voted to dissolve the Foundation according to provisions in its by-laws. This dissolution itself was not an easy process. Many thanks go to a host of committed board members and other parties.
The very good news is that each of the three Chapters has very recently received a $33,000+ deposit into its bank account. Each Chapter Dean has agreed to foster extensive consideration of the best use for these founds so that the mission of AGO can be further enhanced throughout the Chicago, Fox Valley and North Shore areas. Initial investments to preserve the funds will take place while each Chapter considers creative and profitable ways to utilize the funds for the betterment of AGO goals.
Andrea Handley, Dean