Help Us ........ Help them
Back Back Angels "NEWS"
We Need Help And Are Looking For Volunteers To Step Forward
WE HAVE VACANT BOARD POSITIONS:
Community Relations and Publicity
WE WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP!
Please contact Susan- 508 498 5001
Meetings Resumed
We have resumed our volunteer general meeting. Please check our Calendar for time and location
General Meeting Minutes
North Port Coalition for the Homeless/Needy Children, Inc.
May 7, 2024
Call to order at 10:12 AM by Naomi Jodoin
Mission Statement was read by all. Naomi described to all new people what Backpack Angels does.
Introduction of all members- everyone introduced themselves. Three new members were introduced, including Karen Hoeppner from Living Waters Church. She is looking to maybe get a donation box and help with Backpack Angels needs.
The minutes of the April General meeting are on the website.
Financial Report
for April was read by Susan Ricard
Board Positions needed are: Publicist and Fundraising Chair. Naomi explained all positions.
Fundraising:
Perkins is on going. Naomi explained how it works and passed out coupons to new people.
Bocca Lupo: Naomi is still trying to get a date for event. She will continue to monitor their website.
Giving Challenge: was a success. Susan estimate at least $5400 for the event.
Bags for May:
1121 total, 905 small bags and 216 large bags
Products and Delivery:
All items have been ordered.
Volunteer Coordinator:
Susan will send out emails. If response is low, we will switch out the large bag room after all large bags are packed, to help with finishing packing small bags.
Sorting is Friday May 17th and Packing/Delivery is Monday May 20th. This is the last month for the Public Schools until September. Judy will have volunteers deliver for 2 months in June to the Preschools.
Website:
Frank says it is up to date. We will be looking at how long we keep sponsorships on Website.
Working on updating our donation boxes list. San Pedro Church may want a donation box.
Other Business:
Talon Bay Ladies Club gave us a donation of $500 from their annual Bunco. Margie Fitchlee presented the check. She also talked about how the Ladies Club collects items for other organizations and she will try to sponsor us one month.
Grants:
Yvette Hates applied for a grant through the North Port Non Profits United Program-this would be used for purchasing the large tote bags if granted.
Naomi is looking into applying for a grant from the DAR, of which she is a member. Also looking for ideas on donations from them.
Jan Huegen Memorial:
Board will look into more ideas before the fall.
Scrap Book-Linda wasn’t here.
Community Baby Shower:
Judy Scheil and Naomi Jodoin had a table at event. Handed out info.
Newcomers Days:
we didn’t have a table. Organizers of the event apologized as Judy had applied for one in February. Naomi went to event and passed out flyers. She also talked to the new owner of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar which is scheduled to open soon. She will contact her again to see what type of assistance they can give us. They do get involved in the community.
Changes to BY-Laws if needed will be done in the Fall.
July 4th Freedom Festival: at Cool Today Park. Judy has reserved a table. Looking for anyone else who would like to help. There will be fireworks at night but you can leave before Fireworks.
Fundraising Ideas for Fall:
Margie Fitchlee mentioned Card Deck Bingo which is fun, with money prizes.
She also mentioned that Total Wine in Port Charlotte will donate a wine tasting for up to 20 people.
Suggested this could be a grand prize at an event such as Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast.
We also talked about doing a Gala for our 15th Anniversary in 2026. More to discuss in the Fall.
Meeting adjourned by Naomi at 11:03 AM
Next Meeting: September 3rd at Amvets, Chancellor Blvd.
Everyone have a great summer!
Naomi Jodoin, President Date Connie Calabro, Secretary Date