Fundraiser

[CoryDude]

Hey, just had a light bulb go off and had to post one last time for the day (oops, it's already after midnight).

I don't know how this would affect the club's app. for non-profit status, but I'd like to see maast give back to the community a little more. What if we were to hold a fundraiser and donate the funds to an agreed upon charity?

Of course, there's the issue of coming to a quorum on which charity group or organization, but I think this would help with our club's visibility.

We could raise money by holding a raffle or auction for donated items from club members and sponsors (tax write-off!!). I know I have few pieces I'd give up for a good cause. Any other ideas or thoughts are welcome.

[aggman]

your idea is good, but it is not something maast can do. with our non-profit status pending we are limited on what we can and can't do. once we get officially approved as a non-profit we will only be allowed up to two (2) fundraisers a year. the first is scheduled during tmac and the second during the port a collection trip.

you can, however, organize your own fundraiser and invite members to join in, but maast would not be able to host.

a little note...this is the rule as i understand them. i may be wrong on a part, so i will let other bod's chime in and confirm. but i am pretty sure i got it right.

~alex

[Kristy]

I also understand that it is true we are limited to two raffles a year for fundraising for our own purposes. However, I sure wonder if it would be different if those funds were donated directly to another charitable fund. Would be more work for Sherri and probably something that would take a while to get approved and get in action, but it's a very nice idea!

[CoryDude]

with our non-profit status pending we are limited on what we can and can't do. once we get officially approved as a non-profit we will only be allowed up to two (2) fundraisers a year.
~alex

Ah, I was afraid of that. Well, it was just an idea.

[hobogato]

good point kristy - something we should look into...

[CoryDude]

How about adopting a family for Christmas? We did that at my last job in Austin. We were put in contact with a family through a local charity group. We collected items like toys and food and donated them directly to the family a few days before christmas.

Just some food for thought for the bod for the coming year.

[Mr Cob]

Thanks for speaking up and submitting ideas Cory, that's what keeps things moving forward.

Not to be negative but we have to keep things related to the purpose of MAAST. If we are to "give" it should be towards education or programs relating to reef keeping or at least marine related. We had some members also speak up about grants and it's currently on our list of agenda items for the year.

I'm a big fan of tithing but for the purpose of MAAST it should be related.

[CoryDude]

Thanks for the responses Ace, Cob, & Kristy.

I guess my idea was a little vague. I wasn't asking Maast to "give" any funds other than those there were raised specifically for a charity. Funds collected through membership dues and other club fundraisers are and should be used for the club and it's agenda only.

I was hoping Maast would lend it's name to help organize a charity event or collection.

However, I don't want to beat a dead horse. I may not agree with the board's position, but I respect y'alls decision. Thanks.

Cory

[Mike]

How about a food topic meeting, like we did last year where we do a mixed fish food presentation, but also do a can food drive for the food bank? Something like that?

[wesheltonj]

I do not see any reason that MAAST could not for example, man the phones for the KLRN auction. It's MAAST itself that cannot hold more then 2 events a year. That does not mean that MAAST could not involved in other worthy cause.