The purpose of this letter is to review with you the progress made by the Life Enrichment Foundation in 2003 and discuss our plans for 2004. By most measures, the year 2003 was an unqualified success. Financially, you have given (or loaned) us the necessary resources to launch the improvements that are required to repair and improve the Sibyl Center to the point where we can prevent further deterioration of the facility and make necessary cosmetic repairs.
At this time, we have a contractor at work installing a forced air heating system which hopefully will be completed by year end. Additionally, we have signed a contract to install a new roof. This is by far our most urgent project. We must prevent further roof leakage before interior improvements can be started. The roof project will be completed as soon as weather permits.
From the viewpoint of providing programs for Stanley and surrounding communities, we conducted 13 events which were well supported.
We would not have had such a successful year if it were not for the great work done by a dedicated group of volunteers who did the dirty, tedious work to make the center presentable for our programs. In addition, they ushered, sold tickets, performed, and cleaned up as required. Without their generous help we would not have made it.
During this, our first year, we were fortunate to receive unforeseen contributions that enabled us to purchase a magnificent Yamaha grand piano and also buy a set of 150 chairs. We owe these donors our gratitude for getting us off to such a great start.
Organizationally, we expanded the board of directors to guide the Foundation as our activities continue to grow. Present board members are Keith Bear, Don Hoirup, Royal Hovland, Janinne Paulson, Tyra Rolfe, Anna Marie Whitmore, and Stan Wright.
As the scope of our efforts continues to grow, we have established four major committees to focus on our most important tasks. They are:
- Activities: To plan and execute our programs for the year.
- Publicity: To make the community aware of our activities and programs.
- Building: To plan the upgrading of the Sibyl Center
- Finance: To prepare a financial plan and guide fund raising.
I would like to remind you that our website <www.sibylcenter.org> provides a source of information on the Sibyl Center. This website was designed and is maintained by Jerry Eidem and is a great way to keep up on our activities. It provides a colorful display of our history and progress along with many pictures.
Lastly, I want to address the issue of finances. It has been your generosity that has gotten us to this point. We need, however, to ask for your continuing financial support in order to continue our fix-up efforts. And, as I mentioned earlier, we have loans that must be repaid. At this time, we have a $32,000 debt due to an interest-free loan from one of our benefactors. We therefore would appreciate your continuing financial assistance and want to remind you that your contributions are tax deductible.
Stan Wright, chairman
Foundation for Life Enrichment
Meeting of the Board of Directors, January 13, 2004
Heating: To avoid affecting appearance of the main floor, a 'wild return' will be used in place of standard cold-air return grates to circulate cool air from the basement. Costs for both labor and materials will be reduced as result. Two furnaces have been installed; the heating project will be completed in April-May.
Air conditioning: A/C units will be located near the back door, probably on an existing concrete pad. The board deferred approval of A/C installation and possible relocation of thermostats.
Roof: Theil Bros. Roofing informed the Board that the roofing project will be completed by May 31.
Preservation North Dakota: The Board has applied for an extension of its original grant from PND and will contact them for opportunities for additional grants.
Financial Report: Donations to date total $99,172. The Board moved to pay current bills.
Tyra Rolfe, secretary
