Annual Meeting - Minutes
February 13, 2005

Attendees: Christine Bennett, Jessica Pearlman, Cherryl Reinhardt, Diane Mayer, Laura O'Connell, Melissa Wilson, Helena Chaikin, Cornelia Illman, Kathy King, Sara Gittelman, Shannon Cail, Katherine Meuse, Lorna Ingraham, Liz McGovern, Suzanne Trayhan

Discussion:

  1. Adoptions
    • We had 132 adoptions in 2004, which is down from last year's 147.
    • 132 rabbits pulled in, 9 returns and 9 deaths.
  2. Foster Homes
    • We currently have 4 foster homes.
    • Having foster homes isn't working out well and we really need a shelter.
  3. Treasurer's Report
    • We currently have about $45,000 in the bank.
    • This is great for our current situation, but we aren't sure if we have enough funds for a shelter.
    • We pulled in $3875 bun sitting, $4420 for memberships, $7775 in adoption donations, $981 for sponsorships, $12,000 in grants and $1300 for the Williamsport Rabbits.
  4. Advertising/PR
    • Erin is doing a great job sending out press releases once a month. This got us the current story in the local papers.
    • TV Commercials were discussed but they are probably too expensive for us.
    • Cable TV was discussed, but since each town operates separately and wants a membership, it isn't worth it.
    • Ed events should be given to local papers and cable to be listed in the calendar section.
    • People are posting on Craigslist, which is working well for us.
  5. Newsletters
    • Christine and Shannon are doing a great job with the newsletter.
    • Next issue should be out within a week.
    • Articles are always needed and people are encouraged to submit them.
  6. Education Events
    • We did 27 last year. Many are scheduled for this year.
    • New volunteers are encouraged to sign up for current ones. This way they will be paired with an experienced person.
    • Anyone can arrange an Ed Event. Don't have to wait for a request. Just coordinate with Cherryl.
    • Leave Care Info sheets at stores, including ones that sell rabbits.
  7. Membership
    • We now have 95 members.
    • Membership renewals are due April 1. Everyone is encouraged to join.
    • It might be nice to have member benefits in the future, but this isn't a high priority. Nail Clippings, vet discounts, etc.
  8. Hotline
    • More help is needed. Laura O'Connell offered to assist.
    • Hotline is essential to our organization. Both for adoptions and to answer questions.
  9. Make Mine Chocolate Campaign.
    • Kathy King is running.
    • Flyers were sent to local shelters.
    • Pins will be sold at vets, Ed tables, EFP and publicized in the newsletter
    • Flyer is in the newsletter. Everyone is encouraged to hang them up.
    • We are going to put up a MMC web page on our site.
  10. Fund-Raising
    • Talked about Yankee Candles, Pampered Chef and Cakes, it was decided to try YC and PC together this summer.
    • Diane is going to look into a Pet Massage Day.
    • Both Lorna and Christine will hold yard sales. They will set dates soon.
    • Calendars- Jessica agreed to look into Lulu (and other sites) for next year.
  11. Bunny Sitting
    • Dawn Nichols is now the bun sitting coordinator. We raised $3875 last year bun sitting.
    • People are encouraged to sign up for bun sitting.
  12. Board Elections
    • Suzanne Trayhan, Cherryl Reinhardt, and Diane Mayer will represent HRN in the coming year.
  13. Other Business
    • Anyone who has a Subaru, we want to submit a story to them about how we use our cars for rescue work.
    • Donation links should be mentioned in email newsletter and regular newsletter.
    • Should mention the need for a shelter on our website.