Annual Report 2013-2014

Salutations from Outgoing Chair- Phoebe Fielding
 
Last year was definitely the calm after the storm of celebration and excitement of our Centennial Year. The Preservation Society was focused on fundraising as always, with the added knowledge that several major repairs to the clubhouse were coming due. In collaboration with Architectural Liaison and with the support of the membership, PS is constantly alert to any major maintenance issues related to our building and grounds.

In late 2013, it was clear that the aging sewer section beneath the house needed to be replaced. The other part of the sewer had been redone 10-12 years ago. After investigation, a local company was hired and the work was successfully completed in May of 2014. We also came to realize that the roof was beginning to fail in small ways, but the signs were there to know we needed to move ahead to prevent major damage. Again working with AL, bids were obtained and the work was carried out in the summer. In spite of a few unexpected stresses and strains, the new “hat” on our lovely home looks much as it did before-which was the object. We wanted to recreate what Julia had originally chosen. (Yes, the flashing at the edge of the roof- line will be painted to match the building.) We also worked with President Barb Sutak to replace all of the light bulbs in the club to expensive but very efficient and extremely long-lived LEDs that are saving almost $200/month on our electricity bill. These are the sorts of projects that represent what PS does. It is why we are here: to lift the burden of constant and sometimes costly major repairs off the SWC.

SWCPS Fundraisers for 2013-2014:On February 14th, Preservation held a Black and White dinner dance chaired by board member, Cindy Mason. It was a relaxed and very enjoyable evening with a delicious dinner served by male waiters. Live music accompanied appetizers and drinks and then carried on throughout the event.

A second fundraiser was held in late April. This was a tasty Brunch followed by a Fashion Show keyed to the sort of events that take place in Sausalito. The models were members of the Club and wore clothes from two local boutiques, Lisa LeBow and Grdano, both on Caledonia St. Fourteen members of the Club had each volunteered to decorate a table. The result was an amazing sea of beautiful china, linens and flowers. Ciji Ware and Chris Butler chaired and produced the fashion show and Carolyn Merrill and Phoebe Fielding organized the brunch.
Our traditional Sherry Hour was held in September and was a presentation by Dr. Susheel Bibbs discussing a recent book she had published about the life and times of Mary Pleasant. She was an early resident of San Francisco and a considerable force for civil rights and the rights of women in the late 19th century.A labor of love…..I have finished my tenure as chair of the Preservation Society, having served for two years. It has been an honor and a pleasure. During each of these years, the PS board was great fun to work with and totally supportive and hard working. I think for many members of the Club, caring for our building and grounds is truly a labor of love and that is certainly the way I feel. And it is with total confidence that I turn this position over to Cindy Mason, the in-coming chair.

 

Board Members 2014-2015:

Phoebe Fielding, Chair E.V. Gilbreath, Vice Chair Ann Elston, Secretary Elizabeth Nelson, Corr. Secretary Carolyn Merrill, Treasurer Sande McGarry, Director Chris Butler, Director Cindy Mason, Director Camara Scremin, Director Linda Neilsen, Director Susan Gordon, Director Susan Watson, Director Barb Sutak, Ex-Officio Carol Carlson, Ex-Officio

Cindy Mason, Chair E.V. Gilbreath, Vice Chair Camara Scremin, Secretary Chris Butler, Corr. Secretary Carolyn Merrill, Treasurer Elizabeth Nelson, Director Pam Abendroth, Director Leslie Hail, Director Susan Watson, Director Susan Gordon, Director Phoebe Fielding, Director Carol Cotton, Director Michele Benjamin, Ex-Officio Sande McGarry, Ex-Officio Sally Peck, Community Director Meg Winter, Community Director

 

Legacy Society-
An annual gathering of the Legacy Society was held at the Club on June 14th. Hosted by Cindy Mason, there were two speakers, Meg Rumpf, Senior VP/Private client Manager for Bank of America and Brian Van Weele from the Marin Community Foundation. They addressed such topics as philanthropic estate planning and provided insights into the SWCPS permanent building fund that is held by MCF. Wine and appetizers were served. There were about 40 SWC members present. The Legacy Society has added two new members this year to its roster.

 

Treasurer’s Report-
This year, the SWCPS board, with the help and generosity of SWC club members, continued its efforts to raise funds for the current and future maintenance of our beautiful clubhouse.    Our two fundraising programs, the Black and White Ball and Spring Fashion Show, were financially successful, fun and well received by club members.Funds raised by SWCPS during the 2013-2014 year are held as follows:

 

Capital Fund:  These funds are used to pay for the major capital projects required for the upkeep of the clubhouse in accordance with the SWC Capital Improvement. This work is facilitated through the Architectural Liaison committee. Though it is difficult to predict with certainty the exact timing and cost of projects, members of AL use their best efforts to research and plan long term for maintenance expenses. This is carried out in close association with the Preservation Society.On the recommendation of the SWC Board, and with the approval of the membership, two large projects were initiated this year. The new sewer was completed and paid for through the Capital Fund ($5,800), and a new roof ($35,204 estimate) was completed in the summer.   A third project, equipping all light fixtures in the clubhouse with energy efficient LED bulbs ($1,320), was carried out and paid for through the Capital Fund.Permanent Building Fund (quasi-endowment fund).  This fund is now nearly $200,000.  We continue to work toward the goal of $500,000 that will provide a stable financial foundation for the long-term security of this landmark building and grounds. In time, it may also provide earnings that can be used to cover some items on the capital improvement schedule each year. It is the desire of the SWCPS to ensure that our clubhouse will live on for future generations and become more self-sustaining.  Many club members have pledged their support to the Permanent Building Fund through the Legacy Society.Following is a simple recap of income and expenses for the year and the fund balances.  Please feel free to ask questions.

 

Financial Recap 6-30-2014

INCOME RECAP 7/13-6/14
Fundraisers $ 16,048
SWC Dues Allocation $   9,200
Unrestricted Donations $   6,750
Restricted Donations  $   2,690
Total Income  $  34,688
Maintenance & Project Expenses *  $   (8,368)
Administrative Expenses  $   (1,968)
NET INCOME $   24,352
FUND BALANCES
OPERATING CASH  *  $  43,415
CAPITAL FUND  $199,131
PERM BLDG FUND (quasi-endowment)  $198,820

 

*Final payment for the roof project from Operating Cash was made in July after close of fiscal year.

Thank you for your generosity, support, and commitment to the preservation and future of the clubhouse.

Carolyn Merrill, Treasurer 2013-2014

 

Donations to SWCPS   2013-2014

 

Ciji Ware Mary Ann Dietrich Nancy Terry Millie Amis Molly Squires Julie Carlson Mary O’Connell Susie Visher Donna Kolby Carol Lemkuhl Chris Klink Sharon Seymour Shelby Van Meter E.V. Gilbreath Alice Merrill Sally Califf Barbara Rich Susan Roegiers Claudia Kennedy Linda Neilsen Lillian Donald Nancy Curran Pat Pennington Linda Swanson Anne Dinelli Cathy DeLano Marion Olin Ann Heurlin Paula Fancher Kathryn Keller Paula Monsef Barbara Holmes Jackie Kudler Ann Arnott Mary Henry De Tessan Pam Abendroth

Alice May Diane Hanson Rennie Ediger Donna Bachle Diane Bessell Mary Kae Krause Kate Powell Laurie Tandy Fran Nelson Jeni Flynn Marilyn Riede Susan D. Frank Millie Zinman Sylvia Ruby Judy Belding Nancy Osborn Carla Berman June Hood Carol Cotton Maria Hildebrand Sande McGarry Kim Huff Linda Neilsen Linda Ojeda Arliss Willis Betsy Stafford Mollie Squires Karen Roark Linda-Baldwin Page Camara Scremin Phoebe Fielding Cindy Mason Judy Barber Carolyn Merrill Elizabeth Nelson