We look back on 2008 with a sense of accomplishment and hope. But also with tremendous love and respect for our wonderful donors, fabulous volunteers and especially for the deserving organizations and people that we were able to provide help and hope to, by allowing us to be part of their solution and part of the greater community.
The year started just a little early and with the eagerly anticipated Holiday Party. Over 75 of our donors and friends came together to celebrate the end of our first year (2007), while leading us into 2008 with enthusiasm and focus.
In 2008, we worked to provide direction and create clear long-term goals. This included increasing the size of our Board of Directors, increasing our fundraising capabilities, the creation of a strategic plan, and most importantly finding groups and organizations to assist, both nationally and internationally.
After getting on the right track by organizing our goals (in great part by the work done by the unbelievably calm Memo Guereque), we expanded our Board of Directors from five to seven members. Though we lost one of our most practical Board Members, Carlo Carado, we gained three very talented, exciting people: Kristin McLeod, Simbi Mahlanza and Peter Aguilera.
We expanded our fundraising capabilities for 2008. Under Peter’s strong tutelage and with the help of the indefatigable Lia, we threw the following fundraisers: two events with Cruising with Pride, two events in Long Beach at the Paradise Café and The Falcon, a dinner event at The Soup Plantation in Lakewood, an event at The Blvd in Pasadena, numerous local Car Washes and our signature event, the 2nd annual Gala just last month. (Thank you, Manuel and Simbi, what a great location!)
Our new Secretary of the Board, Kevin, launched this newsletter “The Handout” with great success in 2008. It allows HOH to keep our donors and volunteers up to speed on what we’re doing, and what we’re planning.
With your donations we were able to provide to a local Los Angeles based organization, “School on Wheels,” which provides computers and software for young students to study and complete their homework, from a mobile location. (Thanks Kristin and Frank for putting it all together.)
Our Mozambique Agricultural and Livestock Project (Beacon of Hope) is in the works, and should become a reality in early 2009.
With your donations and support, Handing out Hope is making a difference in people’s lives. Thank you from all of us on the Board, Frank, Manuel, Kevin, Peter, Kristin, Simbi, and Mark and from our Committee Chairs, Lia, Memo and Brian. We appreciate all your good thoughts, volunteering, and donations, which allowed us to extend our reach and provide possibilities to those who had none.