As reported last year at this meeting, the establishment of the Foundation that functions as a totally separate, IRS 501 (c) (3) organization from the MNRC was approved by the MNRC board July 7, 2013 and chartered in the state of Tennessee, December 20, 2013. Its EIN is 46-3114401. The purpose of the Foundation is primarily but not exclusively to support the programs and projects of the MNRC. The Foundation received its Determination Letter from IRS stating the Foundation was granted a 501 (c) (3) code designation on September 17, 2014 in record time thru a newly approved IRS “online” application process. As such, the Foundation can receive Charitable Contributions and the donor can receive all the benefits allowed by that IRS Code. The MNRC is an IRS Code 501 (c) (7) and contributions to it are not a Charitable Contribution.
Since the last report to this body, September 14, 2014, in Corning, California, the Foundation has rapidly implemented organizational efforts which are continuing but has become operational under the Code determination. The Foundation has approved Bylaws, Conflict of Interest Policy, Gift Policy, and other organizational efforts.
The establishment of the Foundation was suggested by an active supporter of the annual Retriever Hunting Test by MNRC who wishes to remain anonymous. No, it wasn’t me or any other member of the board; wish I’d thought of it and had funds to give. This donor has provided a generous contribution that has enabled the Foundation to become effective quickly and we are deeply indebted to them. Many people ‘talk’ a lot about providing this type of support, this individuals’ actions speak louder than words. While the donor’s gift was originally restricted to Awards, you’ll hear about a little later in this report, they have generously agreed to allow some of the contribution to cover establishment costs and some grants you’ll also hear about later in this report. I think it’s appropriate to acknowledge this anonymous support with an enthusiastic & appreciative round of applause! We would encourage each of you to consider making a contribution to the Foundation; I know the original, anonymous donor would encourage you to do that. It’s easy, just make a check payable to MNRCF and provide to me or any MNRCF board member.
The Foundation “hit” the ground running and has responded favorably to several MNRC requests for financial support and the Foundation has provided $600 for AKC Advanced Judges’ Seminars to each of the following Retriever Clubs:
- Central Minnesota RC
- Umpqua Valley RC
- Waterloo Amateur RC
The Foundation has been advised the West Montana RC will also request support for an AKC Advanced Judge’s Seminar in the amount of $600 and looks forward to getting a request from MNRC for that support.
The Foundation is very pleased to announce they have approved supporting three, new Awards developed by the Foundation and suggested by the original donor. The Foundation has carefully followed the donor’s request. Announcement of these awards is being made here today. Hard copies of the details of each of the three awards are available here today at the check in table. This info will be shared with other organizations for publication in their venues immediately after this meeting but we thought you should hear it first!
The Awards are:
- Youth Handler of the Year Awards: There are two, separate Awards that represent handlers aged 12 & under and 13-17. Details on the Awards, including criteria reviewed, are available at the check in table. Nominees for this Award must be received by the Foundation within 30 days of the conclusion of this event. Each Award consists of a plaque and a check for $1,000.
- To Learn How To Nominate a Youth Handler: CLICK HERE
This next award is personally embarrassing but very humbling and is in complete compliance with the donor’s request.
- Bill T. Teague Handler of the Year Award: Details on this Award are also available at the check in table. Nominees must be received by the Foundation within 30 days of the completion of this event. This Award also consists of a plaque and a check for $1,000.
- To Learn How to Nominate a Handler of the Year: CLICK HERE
In addition to the individual plaques received for each award, there will be a “Perpetual Plaque” for each award that will display the individual’s name and year of the award.
We commend the MNRC for authorizing the establishment of this totally separately functional organization and the anonymous donor who conceived the idea of establishing the Foundation and the concept of the Awards. We hope you’ll make a charitable contribution to the Foundation while you’re here.
We also commend members of the Foundation’s board of directors for their dedication, expertise and strong support; it’s clearly exciting but very challenging to get such an organization established and functional & each member of the board had done an exemplary job!
The members of the Foundation board are, and I ask each of you to stand when you are recognized and remain standing until all are introduced.
- Jimmy Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer
- Gloria Mundell, Director
- John Blackbird, Director
- Sam Ferguson, Ex-Officio Director (bylaws are designed to include each MNRC President for their term in an attempt to insure close coordination & effective communications of the Foundation’s activity to the MNRC board)
- Bill Teague, President
President Sam, thank you again for allowing us to give this report. If there are any questions, we’ll address them at the next break or after this meeting.
Good luck with your dogs and have a safe trip home. Many thanks!
September 30, 2015
BTT
