Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors
September 16, 2014
The meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Search and Care, Inc. was held at the offices of Bryan H. Lawrence, 410 Park Avenue, New York, NY, on September 16, 2014.
Present
Neil E. Botwinoff, Natasha S. Brown, Peyton Carr, Anne Hunt Fink, Suzanne L. Goldhirsch, Barbara D. Hayes, Ann H. Kaplan, Kathleen B. Linburn, Nina S. Myers, Susan M. Relyea, Christine L. Robinson, Claudia G. Thompson, Caroline M. Tripp, Matthew M. Twist (by phone), Cecil Wray.
Absent
John Barrie, Cynthia E. Bing, Melissa Epperly, Laurie B. Ferris, Bryan H. Lawrence, Katharine S. Legg, Nicholas F. Potter, Jeanne B. Riegel, Dorothy E. Scarborough.
Brian Kravitz, Executive Director, was present by invitation. John Corcoran from Owen J. Flanagan & Co was present by invitation. Herbert Duran and Robin Strashun from Search and Care were present by invitation.
The President, Natasha Brown, presided and called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of June 3 were approved.
Audit Committee Report: The Audit Committee met with the auditors and thoroughly reviewed every aspect of the audit. John Corcoran from Owen J. Flanagan & Company presented an overview of the audit. [Redacted]
Treasurer’s Report: Nina Myers reviewed the current profit and loss statement through July 31, 2015. The report reflects only one month of the year, or 8.3%. [Redacted]
East Harlem Volunteerism Initiative: [Redacted] a bilingual East Harlem resident, who is coordinating our volunteer program there. To acquaint himself with the community, our clients and the various roles of our volunteers such as medical escorts, friendly visitors and pet supporters. [Redacted] He has updated our on-line profile and has already brought aboard 5 new volunteers from the community. Further outreach will include an Open House on September 30, and flyers that have already been effective.
Development Report: Neil Botwinoff reported that Jazz in June guests filled the room. [Redacted] The live auction will include trips to Portugal, Florence, Ireland, Quebec City, and Santa Fe as well as Dining Under the Stars and the Night on the Town. With the full participation of every Board member and lots of guests the evening should be fun and very successful.
Peyton Carr spoke about the Yorkville Ball and passed around its announcement showing the theme, Black & White. He expects the co-chairs and junior chairs to create a committee of about 100 members which should bring in lots of guests for the party. [Redacted] With the Black & White theme, masks, music and lots of guests, the evening should be a blast.
Barbara Hayes with Jeanne Riegel, Laurie Ferris and the Theatre Committee expect to hear in the next months about the right show for our April Theatre Benefit. Barbara asks everyone to submit names to her for additional committee members.
Ann Kaplan circulated a letter that she expects to mail to prospective members of the Legacy Circle, our planned giving club. Planned Giving represents a long term stream of income for the agency. [Redacted]
Executive Director’s Report: Brian Kravitz said that our client roster has grown to 816 from 326 in 2006 and from 720 last year. [Redacted]
President’s Report: Natasha has been meeting individually with each board member in her new role as Board President. She noted that our next meeting in mid-November will be our Annual Meeting.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors
November 18, 2014
The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Search and Care, Inc. was held at the offices of Bryan H. Lawrence, 410 Park Avenue, New York, NY, on November 18, 2014.
Present:
Neil E. Botwinoff, Natasha S. Brown, Peyton Carr, Laurie B. Ferris, Suzanne L. Goldhirsch, Barbara D. Hayes, Ann H. Kaplan, Katharine S. Legg, Kathleen B. Linburn, Nina S. Myers, Nicholas F. Potter, Susan M. Relyea, Jeanne B. Riegel, Christine L. Robinson, Dorothy E. Scarborough, Claudia G. Thompson, Caroline M. Tripp, Matthew M. Twist (by phone).
Absent:
John Barrie, Cynthia E. Bing, Melissa Epperly, Anne Hunt Fink, Bryan H. Lawrence, Cecil Wray.
Brian Kravitz, Executive Director, was present by invitation. Chelsea Bender, Search and Care Grant Writer, was present by invitation. Leland Pitts, Search and Care Development and Grants Manager, was present by invitation.
The President, Natasha Brown, presided and called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of September 16, 2014 were approved.
Board of Directors – Annual Elections: Natasha Brown presented the slate of the existing Directors in the Class of 2017 for election to a new term. [Redacted] Susan Relyea made a motion that the slate be elected as presented. Laurie Ferris seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Christine Robinson, on behalf of the Executive Committee, read a resolution to the Board thanking Kathy Legg for her 12 years of service on the Board and in support of Search and Care. [Redacted]
Treasurer’s Report: Nina Myers reviewed the current profit and loss statement through October 31, 2014. [Redacted]
Grants and Development Prospecting: Chelsea Bender and Leland Pitts were welcomed into the meeting to report on the progress of their work. [Redacted] In addition to writing a grant proposal, each grant requires a mid-year report and a year-end report. In addition, Chelsea keeps in touch with funders keeping them informed through our press releases, updates, the newsletter and the Annual Report. [Redacted]
Leland Pitts is searching for additional foundation prospects, such as asking a bank to fund our financial literacy program Money Matters, or looking for a foundation interested in intergenerational programs such as our iChoose program. He is oversees our external communications such as our newsletter and our press releases. [Redacted]
Natasha Brown congratulated Chelsea on her very effective two years with us and thanked Leland who has been with us for two months for hitting the ground running. [Redacted]
Development Report: Ceci Tripp announced the December 4th Trunk Show at the home of Christine Stonbely where 20% of the proceeds will support Search and Care. December 10th is the date for the next Development Committee meeting. [Redacted] The Live and Silent Auctions were smaller but stronger than previously. The Board extended its thanks to Dana Pirulli and the office for their work in support of the Annual Benefit and the Yorkville Ball which are less than two weeks apart.
Peyton Carr noted that the Yorkville Ball was a big lively success with over 550 guests. To increase income in the future, he envisions strengthening the Silent Auction and Raffle, and remarked that trips are very popular.
The Theatre Benefit will be on Wednesday April 22, 2015. Jeanne Riegel announced that we have seats for 225 guests to American in Paris which includes amazing dancing by heralded performers. Barbara Hayes has arranged for Sardi’s to host our pre-theater dinner.
Executive Director’s Report: Brian Kravitz mentioned that the staff is the largest it has ever been with 20 people, 10 of whom are full-time. The staff is compatible, motivated and focused on best practices for each client. [Redacted] Looking ahead we’d like to have one intern for each of our care managers, and we need two bilingual social workers to focus on the veterans among our clients.
President’s Report: Natasha encouraged board members to make themselves available for our February 10th meeting.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors
February 10, 2015
The meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Search and Care, Inc. was held at the offices of Bryan H. Lawrence, 410 Park Avenue, New York, NY, on February 10, 2015.
Present:
Natasha S. Brown, Neil E. Botwinoff, Peyton Carr, Melissa Epperly, Nina S Myers, Susan M. Relyea, Christine L. Robinson, Dorothy E. Scarborough, Claudia G. Thompson, Matthew M. Twist (by phone).
Absent:
John Barrie, Laurie B. Ferris, Anne Hunt Fink, Suzanne L. Goldhirsch, Barbara D. Hayes, Ann H. Kaplan, Kathleen B. Linburn, Bryan H. Lawrence, Katharine S. Legg, Nicholas F. Potter, Jeanne B. Riegel, Caroline M. Tripp, Cecil Wray.
Brian Kravitz, Executive Director, was present by invitation.
The President, Natasha S. Brown, presided and called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm. The Board members introduced themselves to Melissa Epperly, who was attending her first meeting, and briefly spoke about their involvement with Search and Care.
Approval of the Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of November 18, 2014 were approved as amended.
Treasurer’s Report: Nina S. Myers reported on the agency’s financial statements. [Redacted]
Development Committee Report:
Theatre Benefit: The Executive Director presented the report of the Development Committee. This year’s performance will be An American in Paris, which has received sensational reviews in London. We have 225 tickets, and the committee would like everyone’s help in ensuring a sell-out. Dinner preceding the theatre will be at Sardi’s. There will also be a raffle as part of the evening. The invitation addressing was very well attended and we have no more printed invitations; all Board members will receive the PDF invitation, which they are encouraged to forward to their friends.
Jazz in June: Neil Botwinoff noted that the date will be Wednesday, June 17. The evening will be in its usual fun format of a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres following by the performance, during which dinner will be served. We do not yet know who will be performing. He and his co-chair, Nina Myers, are meeting later this week to begin to work on the event and formation of the committee.
Annual Benefit: Dee Dee Scarborough suggested that a well-known honoree is crucial to attendance. Natasha Brown reported that the committee is exploring ways to modify the event to make it more lively, and that any suggestions would be welcome.
Governance Report: Chris Robinson summarized a recent meeting at which the committee set goals for the coming year. First, the committee is working towards a January 2016 speaker panel including community constituents such as government, health and hospital, and religious figures, in our catchment area, who have familiarity with the issues of the aged. [Redacted]
Executive Director’s Report: The Executive Director noted that we had received several new grants [Redacted] secured some increased awards from existing grantors [Redacted] and new awards from past grantors.
We should serve at or above 800 clients again this year. [Redacted]
President’s Report: Natasha Brown noted with sadness the passing of a long-time board member, Cynthia E. Bing, who was a valued member of the board. She further noted that the April meeting has been moved from Tuesday April 7th to Wednesday, April 8th.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors
April 8, 2015
The meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Search and Care, Inc. was held at the offices of Bryan H. Lawrence, 410 Park Avenue, New York, NY, on April 8, 2015.
Present:
John Barrie, Neil E. Botwinoff, Natasha S. Brown, Peyton Carr, Melissa Epperly, Barbara D. Hayes, Ann H. Kaplan, Kathleen B. Linburn, Nina S. Myers, Susan M. Relyea, Jeanne B. Riegel, Christine L. Robinson, Claudia G. Thompson, Caroline M. Tripp, Cecil Wray.
Absent:
Laurie B. Ferris, Anne Hunt Fink, Suzanne L. Goldhirsch, Bryan H. Lawrence, Nicholas F. Potter, Dorothy E. Scarborough, Matthew M. Twist.
Brian Kravitz, Executive Director, was present by invitation.
The President, Natasha S. Brown, presided and called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. She noted that there was a very full agenda and much to be covered at this meeting.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of February 10, 2015 were approved.
Executive Director’s Report: Brian Kravitz reported that the agency’s revenues and expenses are on a positive trajectory this year and that he anticipates finishing the year strongly. [Redacted]
When the agency receives prospective clients, each is assessed to determine if there are “urgent needs”, “emerging problems”, or “future concerns”. Natasha Brown asked if people will be turned away or put on a wait list. Brian said that those assessed with urgent needs would not be turned away, and less urgent client needs would receive monitoring or assistance by other agency disciplines until care management can be provided. [Redacted]
Natasha Brown asked if there could be more office staff/board interface. John Barrie suggested holding a board meeting at the agency each year.
Impact of the Non-profit Revitalization Act on Board Management: John Barrie has reviewed the act and the documents that Search and Care has in place to comply with it. The agency’s goal is to adopt the best practices recommended by the Act. It already has in place: an independent audit, the required whistle-blower policy, and a conflict of interest policy. John recommends expanding the conflict of interest form to include the specifics recommended by the Act. Each board member would sign this form each year. Susan Relyea asked if the new form would replace the current form. John replied that it would and that all the forms would be put on line for each of access. Peyton Carr asked about the origin and intention of the Act which John explained.
Treasurer’s Report: Nina S. Myers reported on the agency’s financial statements. [Redacted]
John Barrie noted that a founder, Clarke Oler, died on April 8th. The former rector of Holy Trinity Church, Reverend Oler established the agency by hiring Sue Chandler, asking Molly Parkinson to chair the board and asking Cecil Wray to create the agency as a legal entity. The board extends its sympathies to his family.
Governance Report: Chris Robinson said that the committee identified David Romanelli as a potential board member. David has been active as a volunteer, with the Jazz Committee, as a friendly visitor, and with Spread Some Cheer, and is thus very familiar with the agency and its mission. He has also been a strong donor, and creative in his ways of giving. His entrepreneurial experience could add marketing and public relations strength to the board. He will be the 23rd member of the board. Chris Robinson made a motion that David Romanelli be elected to the board. Jeanne Riegel seconded her motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
Development Report:
Theater Benefit: Natasha Brown extended kudos to Laurie Ferris, Barbara Hayes, and Jeanne Riegel who have sold out their [Redacted]. The base ticket price has remained the same for several years while the mid-level and top-level has risen in cost and popularity.
Jazz in June: Neil Botwinoff reported that the newly formed committee has just met telephonically and all the committees are in place. June 17th is the date with a renowned saxophonist and his group. Invitation addressing will be April 27.
Annual Benefit: Kathy Linburn is chairing the Friday, December 4th Annual Benefit with Pat Friedman and Christine Stonbely assisting her. [Redacted]
Yorkville Ball: Peyton Carr expects many of last year’s committee members will join again this year and bring in more new members. It will be held on Friday, November 13th at the Union Club which has agreed to maintain the same pricing that they’ve offered us for nine years.
President’s Report: Natasha Brown reported on the opportunity presented by the [Redacted]. Their representatives approached Search and Care about a partnership that included their care management and grants program.
The opportunity would have grown Search and Care’s reach and there may have been some operating efficiencies between the two organizations. [Redacted]
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors
June 2, 2015
The meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Search and Care, Inc. was held at the offices of Bryan H. Lawrence, 410 Park Avenue, New York, NY, on June 2, 2015.
Present:
Neil E. Botwinoff, Natasha S. Brown, Laurie B. Ferris, Anne Hunt Fink, Barbara D. Hayes, Ann H. Kaplan, Kathleen B. Linburn, Nina S. Myers, Susan M. Relyea, Jeanne B. Riegel, Christine L. Robinson, Dave Romanelli, Dorothy E. Scarborough, Claudia G. Thompson, Caroline M. Tripp, Cecil Wray.
Absent:
John Barrie, Peyton Carr, Melissa Epperly, Suzanne L. Goldhirsch, Bryan H. Lawrence, Nicholas F. Potter, Matthew M. Twist.
Brian Kravitz, Executive Director, was present by invitation.
Robin Strashun, Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator for Search and Care, was present by invitation
Fletcher Marsh, volunteer, was present by invitation
Orla Coleman, volunteer, was present by invitation
The President, Natasha S. Brown, presided and called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm. She noted that there was a very full agenda and the meeting would begin promptly.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of April 8, 2015 were approved.
President’s Report: Natasha Brown welcomed new Board Member Dave Romanelli to his first meeting. She invited the board to stay for a reception after the meeting.
Executive Director’s Report: Brian Kravitz reported on the shift from quantity of clients to greater quality of care which is already being reflected in reduced caseloads. [Redacted]
Experience of Two Volunteers: Fletcher [Redacted] a senior at Bronx Science, has lived in Search and Care’s neighborhood all his life. He became a friendly visitor volunteer this year, going to see an elderly man every Saturday. Sometimes he’s there for an hour or two, helping tend to the client’s cat as well as helping out in other ways. Fletcher appreciates the conversations they have and the life advice he receives from his client. Orla [Redacted] has been visiting her 99 year-old client for more than two years. Though her frail client has 24 hour care, Orla’s visits boost the spirits of this elegant woman who always wears blue and enjoys reminiscing about her days as a chanteuse at the Café Carlyle. Orla also aids her if a hallucinatory episode occurs. Orla says “Search and Care is inspiring for everyone in this city where you need to build your own community.”
Treasurer’s Report: Nina S. Myers reported on the agency’s financial statements. [Redacted]
Proposed FY 16 Agency Budget: Nina Myers presented the proposed FY16 Budget on behalf of the Finance Committee. [Redacted]
Development Report:
21-Day Fundraiser Online: After visiting our late client, Rae, Dave Romanelli was inspired by her strength and resilience to create an online giving opportunity. In this new fundraising program, participants pay to enroll and then receive daily inspiration for 21 days from the stories and thoughts of our clients, such as, a thumbnail biography of a client, a quote from a client, or a video about a client. Ann Kaplan asked if Dave is planning to get signed released for all clients quoted or interviewed. Dave Romanelli said those forms were planned. Susan Relyea asked about the time frame for the program and Dave Romanelli responded that he expected the program to be running in the fall.
Theatre Benefit: Jeanne Riegel spoke about the sold-out Theatre Benefit’s evening at Sardi’s and An American in Paris. [Redacted] The board applauded the Committee, especially Jeanne Riegel and Barbara Hayes, for making the Theatre Benefit such an outstanding success.
Jazz in June: Neil Botwinoff said that the June 17, 2015 evening is sold out and that raffle tickets are available through the office and then at the event.
Annual Benefit: Kathy Linburn handed out packets to each board member with the information they need in order to inform and encourage their friends to join the committee, to educate and solicit auction and raffle prizes, as well as journal entries and underwriting. The December 11, 2015 dinner and dance will be held at the rooftop room at the Metropolitan Club. The musicians including a female vocalist will provide interactive, lively entertainment.
Yorkville Ball: At the September Board meeting, Peyton Carr will update the Board about the November 13, 2015 Yorkville Ball.
Proposed Resolutions: Claudia Thompson read a resolution to the Board in honor of Clarke Oler, who founded Search and Care, and then supported it for the remainder of his lifetime. Reverend Oler died in April 2015 in his 90th year. Cecil Wray moved that the resolution be adopted by the Board. Ceci Tripp seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board [Redacted].
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.