The Pioneer December 2013 Vol. 44, No. 4 | Page 8

Reports & articles A Pretty Good Year: Year-end Financial Report from Cathy Lilly, Treasurer Our Fiscal Year ended on August 31. Because of this careful stewardship on the part of members who paid their pledges, staff who pinched a few pennies and committees who kept an eye on their budgets, we ended the year with a deficit of only $12,910, which was almost $8,000 less than we had budgeted. While it would be best if there were no deficit at all, it is good news that $8,000 less was taken from our Legacy Fund than we anticipated. Here are some of the details from the report: We collected 100% of the budgeted pledge amount for the current year. Our fund-raising was super this year, raising 130% of what was budgeted. Kudos are due to the Auction Team for a new improved auction that raised more than $5,000 over budget and to Lisa, our congregational administrator, for exceeding building rental goals. Office staff were prudent in their expenditures, saving $1,700, and the House and Property Committee kept our building expenses $4,500 under budget. In addition, our Legacy Fund grew significantly this year. Our average return on investments was 10.2%. Even after taking out last year’s deficit and this year’s regular withdrawal for the operating budget, the Legacy Fund grew by $64,000. At the end of 2012, the Legacy Fund was over one million dollars, for the first time since 2007-08. We had the opportunity to be generous, as well. Over the course of the year, we collected $6,587 for the benefit of the Interfaith Help Fund and other worthy organizations as part of our regular Share-the-Plate Sunday offerings. The full report is available online in the Member’s Only section of our website in the Treasurer’s corner. If you would like a copy emailed to you or a paper copy, please contact Cathy Lilly at [email protected]. The Pioneer 8