METRO EAST CHAPTER OF CREDIT UNIONS
CHARITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
February 10, 2009

The regular meeting of the CHARITY COMMITTEE of the METRO EAST CHAPTER OF CREDIT UNIONS was called to order by Chairperson Crystal Gracz at 8:45 a.m. on February 10, 2009 at Motor City Co-op Credit Union, Clinton Township, MI.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Crystal Gracz, Aaron Smith, Gail Hernalsteen, Kathy Figgs, Laura Beauregard, Kate Peters, Kathi Sitek & Jenny Bulgrien.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS EXCUSED: Becky Reini & Barb Pitlik

GUESTS ATTENDING: Traci Van Nort (MSGCU), Fran Pierce (ARC Credit Union) & Stephanie Shelters (March of Dimes)

PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:
Motion made by Gail Hernalsteen and seconded by Aaron Smith to approve the minutes of October 21, 2008 meeting with changes.  Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
Year to Date Totals-Crystal reviewed totals for 2008. There is a correction from October 21, 2008 minutes.  The chapter total is $34,011.49.

Update from Metro East Chapter of Credit Unions Executive Committee –Gail reported from the Executive Committee that $7800 was allocated to the Charity Committee; $4400 for March of Dimes, $400 for Relay for Life.  The use of remaining funds will be determined at a later date.  Executive Committee also requested that Gleaners Food Bank be one of 2009’s charities.

Kids on the Go – Kathy reported that Credit Unions should continue to raise funds through February. Checks should be made payable to “Kids on the Go” and mailed to Kathy Figgs’ attention at Christian Financial Credit Union. There will be an awards night in the early fall ’09 when the program is completed. 

Secretary Position-Crystal Gracz requested a permanent replacement for the secretary’s position. Gail Hernalsteen had taken on the position as a temporary replacement since the resignation of Shirley Dolecki. There were no volunteers at the meeting.  Kathy Figgs said that Becky Reini will consider taking the position at a later date.

2009 Charities-Revised

January/February-Kids on the Go-Kathy Figgs
March/April-March of Dimes –Gail Hernalsteen
May/June-Relay for Life (Survivor Lunch)-Laura Beauregard
July/August-No Homeless Student Left Behind-All Committee Members
September/October-Phone Home for the Holidays-Crystal Gracz
November/December-Gleaner’s Food Bank-Aaron Smith & Crystal Gracz

NEW BUSINESS: 

March of Dimes – Stephanie Shelters reviewed the mission of March of Dimes and reported on Metro East previous involvement.  The walk at Metro Beach and Port Huron will be Sunday, April 26th.  Check in at 9 am.    General Motors is the site host at Metro Beach.  Gail reported that Metro East will host check-points at Metro Beach and Port Huron. Stephanie encourages raising funds online at www.marchforbabies.org .  Team packet and supplies were passed out to all credit unions represented at the meeting.  Invitations for the Golden Mile Kick-off Breakfast, held at the DAC on March 10th, will be mailed to representatives at the credit unions and MCUL.

Relay for Life-Laura reported that relay for Life is at Sterling Heights High School June 13 & 14th.  There will be a Kick-off dinner March 26th at the Polish Century Club.  Invites will be mailed to the committee.
   
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, April 26, 2009-Motor City Co-op Credit Union at 8:30 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by Aaron Smith and seconded by Kathy Figgs to adjourn this meeting at 10:40 a.m.  Motion carried.