Community Food Share 2024 Board Members: (Front Row Right) Sheila Lefebvre, Dan Gasser (Board Chair), Erin Heutis, Ellen Beamond (Finance), Julianne Stabler, (Back Row Left) Janine Wagemans , Ben Baynham (Vice Chair), Nathan Lang, Leslie Johnson and CFS Team Leader Jane Scoones. Directors David Horne and Suzanne Simpson were absent. (Leader/Comforting Photo)
WILLIAMSBURG – Every year, this generous community steps up to help Community Food Share and the people it serves when they are most in need. That came up again at Community Food Share's 2024 Annual Meeting on Monday, March 18th. Williamsburg.
The board, executives, former board members, and staff gathered to review financial statements and hear a board and staff report summarizing the organization's 2023 activities and initiatives.
Board Chairman Dan Gasser said strategic planning, future certifications and professional development will enable future boards to maintain the stability of the organization that the group has created. It reported on the group's organization's annual focus on establishing procedures. “All of that ultimately made us a stronger organization,” Gasser said.
While the internal structure of a healthy organization is important, it was the financial statements that made 2023 a successful year for Community Food Share.
Treasurer Ellen Beamond said the government had expected a deficit of $73,000 in 2023, but ended the year with a surplus of $56,000.
“Our donations exceeded expectations, not just a fraction,” Beamond explained.
Throughout the year, Community Food Share received approximately $629,000 worth of donations, including food and funds. “Our community is really great,” Baymond said. “Funding almost tripled from 2022 to 2023.”
“We are amazed at how much the community supports us each year,” Gasser added.
A deficit of $64,000 is expected in 2024, but “we know it's going to be there by the end of the year,” Beamond said, as he works toward forecasting a balanced budget in the coming years. he added.
“Community Food Share is not just about us as an organization, but also includes the community who share their incredible generosity with us,” said Jane Scoones, CFS team leader.
She reported that there were 1,074 unique visits to food banks in 2023, indicating an increase in need, with more working families and seniors visiting food banks. did.
She detailed all of the fundraising efforts and fundraising partnerships that have enabled Community Food Share to continue meeting growing needs.
“Our community fundraising partners who reach out to help really take a weight off our shoulders,” Scoones said.
After the report was approved and accepted, the 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Officer elections were held. Dan Gasser was re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Vice-chairman Dan Pettigrew resigned and Ben Baynham was elected vice-chairman. Julian Stabler was re-elected as Secretary and Ellen Beamond was re-elected as Treasurer.
Other elected board members include Nathan Lang, Janine Wagemans, David Horn, Leslie Johnson, Sheila Lefebvre, Suzanne Simpson and Erin Huestis.
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