SOAR seeks foundation board members

The Sisters Organization for Activities & Recreation (SOAR) needs additional Foundation Board members who are ready to raise money.

“I need people who are positive, upbeat and can move mountains,” said SOAR Foundation Chair Kim Leese.

The main goal of the Foundation Board is to raise $40,000 to contribute to SOAR’s annual operating budget of $600,000. SOAR gets the rest of its budget from the tax base, fees and grants. SOAR also has a District Board that focuses more on operations and vision.

“We’re still struggling to figure out our funding gap,” said SOAR’s Executive Director Carrie Ward.

Leese and her board members have been holding strategy meetings to ensure that their fund-raising efforts are enough to keep SOAR’s programs going.

The Foundation Board meets monthly and has organized such fund-raisers as Cow Pie Bingo. Leese said with five members now, she’d like at least two more “go-getters” with fresh ideas.

“We need to get good thinkers who think outside the box,” said Leese.

Leese said she’d like to organize a new fund-raiser with more earning potential than some of the smaller events SOAR has done in the past. She envisions a wine and cheese tasting event with a silent auction.

“I would rather do two big events than nickel-and-dime people,” said Leese.

Leese comes to her position as chair from a long history of volunteering for kids activities. She had been involved in school choir and led Girl Scouts before getting involved with SOAR five years ago.

“I like working with the kids — I always have,” said Leese.

Those interested in joining SOAR’s Foundation Board may contact SOAR at 549-2091.