IFC February pg. 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Al Ward
Tel:  223-259l (or) 228-0050
Email:  yvonneal@pvnet.com.mx
FAX:  228-0458

Puerto Vallarta is a year-round hub of activity, but that activity escalates especially during the months of September through May. For those of you who don't choose to spend all of the daylight hours on the beaches, you undoubtedly have acquainted yourselves with other opportunities available here.
For instance, if you want to learn to speak Spanish, you have the opportunity to take lessons here at the clubhouse. Likewise, bridge lessons are available to members, as well as a proposed bridge day for experienced players looking for a game. Call the clubhouse (222-5466) if you want to participate. Someone also inquired about Mah-jongg.

Then, of course, there is our main activity--Fund Raising. A continuous and rewarding function is our Home Tours; a wonderful opportunity to visit some of PV's private residences. Take the tour if you haven't yet done so, and you might also want to recommend it to your guests and other visitors.

With revenues from the tours, individual donations and other IFC fund-raising events we provide aid and necessities not only to children but in myriad ways to families in need. If there is a cry for help, the IFC will listen.

By now you've read and heard much about the annual distribution of toys to school children on the Day of the Kings under the Toys4Tots U.S. Marine's program. We sincerely thank everyone who participated in this program which the IFC sponsors through the Puerto Vallarta Navy League and Kelly Trainor, American Consul Agent. The reward was in witnessing the anticipation, enthusiasm and thank-yous of these beautiful children.

The Fund-raising season is still upon us--in February we have our annual Bazaar and Flea Market and you are the suppliers. (We'll be awaiting your calls about the merchandise you have to donate. Don't disappoint us.)

Our thanks to all of you who attended the Luncheon/Fashion Show on January 7 for the Busca un Amigo day-care center. We will anticipate having another such event perhaps the second week of March. Details will be available soon.

Remember too, our USA 501(c)3 Foundation--For Children and Families-in-Need. P.O. Box 30484, Raleigh, NC., 27622. (Email: CAFINIFC@HOTMAIL.COM). Tel:: 919-889-2055.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Yvonne Ward
Tel:228-0050FAX:228-0458
Email:yvonneal@pvnet.com.mx
 

Bored? Not if you're here with us in magnificent Puerto Vallarta. You need a calendar with big squares to squeeze in the daily events, right IFC members?

Or, do you have any ideas we might explore for...???? Don't be shy, we're anxious to hear about them.

Maybe you newest members can offer some comments. WELCOME TO YOU ALL and thank you for becoming party to what we do and accomplish.

Ooops! Last issue we omitted one of our office helpers. Our devoted member, Diane Picciuca, is also among those pitching in at the clubhouse to assist with the paperwork and greeting visitors and answering questions. Thank you, Diane.

Another oops! New member, Barbara Smialek's name was miss-spelled. Please accept our apologies Barbara.

We will be needing some hearty members to work the Bazaar. Many of you have already signed up. If you'd like to explore some options, please call me.

Thank you all who attended the January 7 fund raiser for the Busca un Amigo center. We could have sold a hundred more tickets if we had had the seating capacity. Watch for our March event.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL! Come one come all. If you haven't yet renewed you can do so at the Clubhouse from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, or at any one of our functions. Next General Meeting is Tuesday, February 8. (Dues still the same: $330 Pesos (single)--$550 Pesos (couples) (or equivalent in US or Canadian). Your support is appreciated; we need you.
Something to think about..."Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed with yourself."

Hasta que nos veamos (until we meet again)...

TREASURER'S REPORT
Allan Badner
Tel: 222-1563
email: badner@pvnet.com.mx

I am again pleased to report that the club finances are in excellent shape and we can continue making a difference to the people in need in Puerto Vallarta. Our cash projections are on target and all our obligations and charitable commitments are being fully fulfilled.
Our income for the fiscal year June 1 to December 31, 2004 is $358,876 pesos up $146,675 pesos over the same period last year. This is primarily due to an increase of $77,880 peso in net Home Tours revenues, and the new Halloween Gala which brought in $60,788 pesos.

We have paid out to date $93,900 pesos for our Community Aid projects, $68,100 pesos for our Education projects and $198,300 pesos for our Medical projects for a total of $360,300. Our programs are all running well and we are looking to expand our outreach.
Our operating expense to date was $129,666 up slightly over last year. We have rented out the meeting room for three afternoons per week, which will mitigate our clubhouse rent by $750 pesos per week.

The clubhouse is a bee hive of activity, with Spanish Lessons, Bridge Club meetings and a constant flow of visitors full of questions.

Our CAFIN Foundation is now fully accredited and we are in the process of establishing a website. We expect this Foundation to bring in significant funds for our programs in Puerto Vallarta.

I would like to thank the great response we are getting from volunteers for many of our programs and activities. We are also very happy with the response for help at our front desk. We would like to especially thank Mandy MacLeay who helps Valeska man the front desk on Mondays and Fridays and is doing a terrific job of helping to organize the operation of the office. Diane Picciuca, Sonny Hendrickson and Wendy White are on the job the rest of the week helping Valeska and answering the many phone calls and questions.

Our Home Tours operation is our lifeblood and fortunately it is doing well and net revenues are up. There have been some questions as to our buses. All our buses are now federally licensed, and are in good and safe operating condition and air-conditioned. Most buses are supplied by TTF, which is a large local tourist bus company. We no longer allow the use of the ramshackle and unsafe smaller buses. Unfortunately our new buses are larger and somewhat restricts our access to some of our homes, but we have to choose safety over convenience.

Gracias