Fundraisers for the coming year were a major topic on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the annual meeting and Christmas Dinner of California Progress, Inc. (CPI). There were 39 present for the dinner and meeting held at Annunciation Catholic Church meeting hall.
CPI's part of the Finke Theatre restoration is winding down, and funds towards the project are nearly exhausted. Since ownership of the facility can't be transferred to the Friends of the Finke Theatre group until late in 2014, CPI bears responsibility for insurance and some of the maintenance and operational costs until then. After the $5,400 insurance bill is paid this year, CPI will have less than $25,000 in the accounts, leaving little for emergencies or other unexpected expenses.
With funds running low, CPI has planned two fundraisers for the coming months. The first is a "Last Comic Standing" event to be held at the Finke on Jan. 12. Tickets for the event, which is a competition between several comedians with the winner to be decided by the audience. The event is to be family friendly. Tickets are $10 each.
The second fundraiser is the third annual "Wine, Dine and Win" event to be held April 27 at Braykley Hall.
David and Beth Jungmeyer each gave short presentations about CPI's new project to facilitate the Missouri Main Street Connection Program (MMSC). They discussed briefly the need to use the characteristics of a small town historic district to benefit the entire community. It is necessary to search for other means than attempting direct competition with big cities and their malls.
During the business portion of the meeting, Jayna McPherson Marriott was elected to serve a three year term on the Board. Sara Holtsclaw is leaving the board after serving six years. Officers for 2013 include President Mike Staton, Vice-president Becky Lawson and Treasurer Brandon Garber.
Vickie Schroeder is Executive Director.
Vice-president David Jungmeyer presented Larry Kent a plaque for serving as CPI president for the past year. After apologizing for the oversight, Schroeder presented Brian Scrivner a plaque for serving as president for the previous year.
The separate tables of guests competed in a Christmas trivia game following the business meeting.
Kent presented Schroeder with a gift from the board of directors in appreciation of her service to the organization as executive director.
After Kent wished everyone a Merry Christmas, the meeting was adjourned.