Dear Scouuts, [sic] Scouters and concerned Friends of Scouting...
The pasion, concern and dedication to our LBAC shown by our members over the last few weeks has been overwhelming. Although it is a shame that it takes a "crisis" for all to rally on such an important cause...it is more important that we now have "all hands on deck" tp prove to our Council Board what we are really made of. [sic]
I have heard comments that our execuitive [sic] board is cold and heartless to even consider selling an asset as important as our beloved WJR. I believe that this is far from the truth. The true fact is that they are charged with maintaining the health, financial stability and sustainability of our 90 year old Council all while delivering a quality program to our youth. This is a tall order.
Please remember that they, and all of us in our individual units, by association with LBAC, have accepted the sheparding responsibility to continue the mission of hard work and Scouting tradition that was laid down by those Scouters that waked in our shoes long before we came on the scene. Our three camps are absolute jewels and the autonomy of our LB Council has a long and proud heritige. We were all handed this legacy on a silver platter when we signed up and it is up to ALL of us to maintain and grow it...or squander it. [sic]
Belaboring the past and trying to point fingers has no positive result. The board's first and formost responsibility is to protect our autonomy and charter and a guaranteed "fix" would be to sell WJR.. Asside from balancing our books it would provide a substantial endowment increase which would produce in excess ( i understand) of $300K every year of funds available for overhead, capitol improvements etc.....but no more WJR and home to our Cubby program, Training facility, and our neighborhood hideout. [sic]
The board is entertaining this option for one reason .sustainability of our Council and protecting our Tahquitz legecy..the heart of LBAC. Past history of under utilization, low user fees, deferred maintenence to name a few points has made WJR an anchor around our neck. The difference could easily be made up every year through a strong FOS program.....BUT...the current culture and FOS trends has proven that we can ony count on a low percentage of families to kick in to the cause....typically the same deicated faces that attend every unit meeting, campout, parent meeting, training, Council "call for help" and work days. The only reason that we have even a marginal FOS showing is that these few families step up BIG and in essence carry the load for those who do not. [sic]
What group do you resemble?? Are you in yet?
If every family, roughly 4000 registered Youth, stepped up for only 20 bucks… chicken feed... that is $80.000. at $100.00 each.... $400,000 which would blow our FOS goal out of the water. At the Gold level $225 we would be at $900,000..... problem solved in ONE campaign with funds left over to bolster our programs!
The future of our Council is now up to a vote... a wallet vote. By reaching the benchmark gaol [sic] in 90 days of $250,000.00 we will send a message to our Board that we as Scouters and concerned parents DO care and are willing to shoulder the load.... We need 100% participation... Are you in yet?
I am already in.... and will be upping my # shortly. My Troop is in. We now need you and your unit in too.... everyone at whatever level fits your situation. In my circle this extends to grandparents, personal friends and business contacts too.
Please stay tuned as our drive picks up steam. We need all the help we can get to spread the message. Are you in Yet?
Yours in Scouting
Blake Whitney
Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 29
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