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December 2009 Message
Why was The W.H. Albery Society created?
In 2009, the leaders of our Order recognized that donors to our charities deserved proper recognition and deserved to be thanked systematically for their ongoing and never-ending support.
The W.H. Albery Society has been established to honor those who sustain the charities of the Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of the State of New York.
Purpose:
This society is designed to receive all funds for the projects of the Order of Eastern Star, disburse them accordingly, keep proper and accurate records and provide recognition to the members.
Are donations Tax Deductible?
The Society was incorporated in New York State, in July of 2009, as a Not-For-Profit corporation and has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3), which entitles all donors to deduct qualified amounts of their contributions on their personal tax returns (up to the limitations that apply to their particular tax status.)
Costs:
The costs associated with the running of the W.H. Albery Society are based on the volume of contributions that come through it. The lock-box is a very minimal fixed rate billed each month. The check processing through the lock box is done on a per check basis. Being that this is the first year of operation we have no history to base an "estimated Cost" analysis on, but our studies show that this process will help save Grand Chapter money in the long run by reducing costs in the Grand Chapter office. One of the most significant factors being that all the acknowledgements and record keeping is being done by volunteers.
Recognition Costs:
For example, the cost of recognizing a $100 donation is approximately 2% (pin, postage and material). Two volunteer Committeepersons are donating their time to prepare the mailing of all recognitions.
Why a Lockbox?
In general, a lockbox is a Post office box (PO Box) that is accessible by a bank. The Society has set up a lock box service with CapitalOne Bank for receiving all donations. The BANK’s employees collect and process your donations directly depositing them to The Society’s account.
The lockbox service includes the receipt of all mail to the box, opening all envelopes, depositing the checks (on the day of receipt) and forwarding copies of the checks and all materials contained in the envelope (donation slips, etc.) along with the envelope to our Administration Committeeperson. It also includes the preparation of a schedule of donations received daily that is then used by the Administration Committeeperson to upload into the MORI system's Fundraising program to insure prompt and proper crediting of all donations received.
The Administration Committeeperson is also donating her time
Future Planned Giving Programs:
In addition, The W.H. Albery Society will afford, when established, everyone the opportunity to participate in a Charitable Gift Annuity Program, should they so desire.
On behalf of The Society, I would like to thank you for your support of The Society and all of the charitable efforts of our great Order.
If you have any further question, please let us know; email the society at either president@thewhalberysociety.org or fundraising-chairperson@thewhalberysociety.org
MW Sharon V. Haase
President, Board of Directors
From the Board of THE W.H. ALBERY SOCIETY:
Wow. What a great start for our Order’s new fundraising program.
There are been many questions regarding The Society, how it works and the cost.
Every month (and more frequently as needed), we will be updating our members on The Society’s progress. You will be able to find the message on The Society’s website – www.thewhalberysociety.org – as well as in Ron Charron’s Newsletter.
Please share this message with all of the members of the Order. Send it to the Chapter’s in your District and to District websites. | 
