Transforming Lives - Strengthening Community

Reflecting back on another great year, I can recall significant changes and noteworthy accomplishments. For example, we now have a new, sophisticated website that is supported by the National Assistance League. The Outreach Program was put into action for the first time by providing shoes and clothing to children who were affected by the volcano last summer. Three of our meetings were non-business, "Speaker" meetings, which were well received with increased attendance at Regular Meetings.

In February, the Thrift Shop began closing on Fridays for a 3-month trial period due to lack of staffing. It was evaluated in May and although the reduction was minimal, the Board approved to extend the trial period and re-evaluate the closure at the end of the calendar year. We received a new grant from the Sony Open Friends of Hawaii Charities which will enable us to help more keiki next year. These were just a few significant changes our members accomplished this past year.

June 12 th * Vintage Cave Café

Ala Moana Center across from Foodland,

Between JTB and Famous Footwear

https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en/directory/map/store/26295

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

$23.00

(make checks payable to Assistance League of Hawaii)

Menu: Afternoon Tea: Clubhouse sandwich, Quiche Lorraine, salmon rolled tortilla with ricotta, mini croissant sandwich shrimp tartar, chilled cream corn soup, homemade pickles and olives; financiers, panna cotta, petit cake, scone, blueberry jam, mascarpone cream. Tea selections: Lemon Verbena (decaf), Regal Earl Grey, and Georgia Peach (decaf)

We are finishing up the year by receiving all of the outcome reviews from the schools. So far only one "no change" and all of the rest with noticed improvement. This year we have bought 8,034 t-shirts for 25 schools and have clothed 1,110 students with new clothing.

We are already planning next years projects. Our first Opeartion School Bell event will be held at Walmart, Keaumoku on Saturday, August 24th. Please let Margie van Swearingen know if you will be able to help! Thanks so much for all your help and support for this year. A very special thank you to Andrea for without her, I couldn't have done it!! Also, to Nancy and Margie!

We have had a busy and productive year financially. We have had some record-setting days at the Thrift Shop and managed to reduce our building mortgage loan to approximately $68,000. Our programs have been able to thrive, without worry of having sufficient funds to continue their good work in our community.

Thanks to all who have already paid their $70 dues for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. If sending your check has slipped your mind, please mail your $70 check made payable to "Assistance League of Hawaii" to: Assistance League of Hawaii / 1505 Young Street / Honolulu, HI 96826 / Attention: Treasurer.

Special thanks to my mentor and "Zen Master", Margie Van Swearingen, who has sat by my side as I learned the Treasurer's ropes this year. Thanks also to Sandy Wells, who has faithfully deposited our Thrift Shop money every week and handled the luncheon checks and cash box monthly. Thanks also to Ellen Wilson, who answers questions requiring someone of her expertise in accounting and helps us with the budget, Quickbooks and any number of other money-related issues. It takes a small village to keep our ALH finances chugging along so nicely.

This is a reminder to all committee chairs that I need to know your committee make-up - who is chairman? vice chairman? secretary or scribe? members? Please email me at [email protected] .Thank you for doing this early and accurately.