Letter From the Executive Director.
 

We have reached the midpoint in 2011, and there is a big difference in the PILLAR Institute compared to this time last year. In June of 2010, there was a real concern as to whether our organization could make it through to yearend. Only after some really creative budgeting, belt tightening and a one-time financial contribution did we turn things around. We finished the year with renewed optimism and entered 2011 with a positive balance sheet after many years of deficits; all bills paid and cash in the bank; a reorganized and enthusiastic volunteer base; an expandedand committed Board of Directors: and an enhanced lifelong learning program for our
members, participants and supporters.

We continue to push ahead and we challenge our volunteers to do more, take on new roles and expand our capacity to present more classes, handle class registrations and the other related, increased administrative functions. We continue our effort to increase our
membership and attract new Partners and Sponsors. Our progress has not come without some steps backward, some mistakes, some disappointments, some regrets—all offset by real excitement and success on many fronts. All of our efforts are designed to move the PILLAR Institute to the next level.

What is that next level? The future is bright and full of opportunities.

• With currently just over 1000 members (which is almost double from a year ago), our membership represents less than 2% of the population in Colorado Springs over the age of 55.
• I continue to be amazed by the people I meet who have never heard of the PILLAR Institute. We must do a better job of marketing our programs and “getting the word out”.
• We cannot only expect new members to come to us, but we must go to them. The expansion of our off-site classes offers additional exposure for adult learners unable to attend classes in our classroom.
• Our new weekly newsletter and updated web site are designed to move us further into the computer age and allow us to better communicate our upcoming classes and programs to our members and supporters. We need to increase our technological growth to include our office computers and software so we can handle more information and processes.
• Our PILLAR Faculty continues to be successful in providing new and exciting class topics and themes. Our Institutional Faculty concept offers the same benefits in the future. We will move forward to expand the Faculty and add new guest instructors.

All of these efforts do not come without a cost. Our expenses continue to increase as our organization grows. Now is not the time to pull back our efforts and waste the progress and momentum we have generated. We need your financial help to continue our efforts through the rest of the year. You will find an envelope in this PILLAR Preview asking for your support. Any amount will assist our efforts. I know most of you have supported us in the past whether through volunteering your time or through a direct donation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We need your help, at this time, again.

8th Annual Palisades Peaches Fundraiser
Get ready for our Annual Palisades Peaches Fundraiser coming soon. The Annual Palisades Peaches Fundraiser is our largest fundraiser of the year, and you can help us again by ordering a box of peaches, the proceeds going directly to PILLAR. Palisades, Colorado has had a cold winter and a frost in May, but they have promised us peaches again this year (probably a
little later than last years’ August 21st date). You will find an order form in this Preview or you can just call the office and reserve your peaches. We also need volunteers to help on the delivery day. The daylong event at the Palisades at Broadmoor Park is a “Beach Party” theme with a BBQ Cookout, Ice Cream Social, a Peach Bake Sale (we need your donated baked goods), and entertainment all day. Plan on stopping by and enjoying the activities as you pick up your peaches. The peaches will be $30.00 per box again this year. Make plans now to
attend sometime in late August (when Mother Nature calls).

Dave Rich, Executive Director

director@visitpillar.org

Hooray for PILLAR Membership!

With a membership, you will receive reductions in all class rates. In addition, you will be invited to special events that are designed exclusively for members and you will special member rates on tours.  Some members have already experienced significant cost savings on classes over the course of even one quarter.  An individual membership for 2011 is $60.  Support PILLAR and start saving and enjoying the other benefits of membership now!