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Thank you to all of the members and friends who give their time, talents and treasure to make UUCM hum! Your generosity propels UUCM -- to support members, friends and the wider world!
Starting March 18, this year's pledge drive kicks off. The commitments we receive each spring drive our planning for the following year. Plan to return your pledge by April 1. This timing enables an open and comprehensive budgeting process in preparation for our Annual Meeting in June.
As we begin this year's pledge drive, let's take a moment to celebrate last year's process:
- We retained high pledge participation--with 85 pledgers participating (the year prior, we had 87 pledgers)
- 32 pledgers increased their monetary commitment to UUCM--and for the first time we gathered commitments of time and talent as well!
- New members participated fully in the process--and we had two teen pledgers for the first time in recent memory!
- We received lots of feedback from folks who enjoyed the positive vibe of the pledge drive and pledges were returned faster than in past years
- In terms of money raised, our 2017 - 2018 pledge drive resulted in $135, 650 and we received a one-time gift of $10,000 to our operating budget.
- Total pledge/gift income is down approximately 10% from the prior year's pledge drive.
- We hope to inspire members and friends to reverse the downward trend and position ourselves well for 2019 and beyond!
- Cammie and Steve Opre are once again leading this year's pledge drive and are working closely with Council, Finance and other committees to assure that this year's pledge drive aligns with congregational vision and goals!
We are lucky that due to last year's significant bequeath from long-time member, Betty Winberg, in combination with the careful stewardship of funds by our trustees, the UUCM endowment is healthier than ever before. A small portion of those funds may be available to help us achieve our short-term goals. We are also lucky to be doing well from an ongoing operating expense/cash flow perspective--income is higher and expenses are lower than anticipated
Let's get ready for another amazing stewardship season.
March 18: Positive Vibe Pledge Drive - Kick Off
March 18: 9am Peace, Love and Pancakes Breakfast
March 18: NOON or March 20 7pm: "What Floats Your Boat?" - A Congregational Conversation around Financial Priorities. Your input needed!
April 1: Positive Vibe Pledge Drive - Ends. (Last Call for Pledge Forms)
If you are newer to UUCM and have questions about the process or if you want to take a more active role, reach out to Cammie Opre, Leslie Bennett (
[email protected]) or any member of the finance committee to see how you can help.
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