MRAA Funds

The MRAA Funds

As a not-for-profit organization, the Monterey Recreation Activity Association (MRAA) is dependent on donations and fund-raising efforts. We have also been the recipient of a few legacies. How those funds are used is the combined responsibility of the Finance Committee and the MRAA Board of Directors.

With the increased cost of just about everything, the way we allocate funds has become more crucial than ever. The Board and the Finance Committee must ensure that funds are available to meet the current needs of the members, but we also need to ensure that funds will be available in the next five or ten years. Over the years the demands and requirements of our membership have changed. When once the concept of subsidizing the cost of special events was unheard of, the rising cost of presenting an event has forced ticket prices to increase. Your Association wants as many members as possible to feel they can attend these events, so MRAA provides a subsidy to keep the cost of the ticket down for our members. We do the same for the day trips, so our members can participate on these trips. The principle of what benefits the Monterey members is followed when investing in Centre enhancement projects or providing club financial support. Any equipment purchase for the Centre is determined by how it will impact the members. The purchase of the lobby fireplace adds comfort and warmth to members whether they are sitting quietly reading or chatting with their friends. Any equipment purchases for a club, whether it is a new saw for the Woodcrafters Club or new dart boards for the Darts Club, is viewed as an investment to the continued success and growth of that club. Over the years the Board of Directors, advised by the Finance Committee and the Monterey staff, have purchased equipment for the Monterey kitchen, chairs and table for the Fern Café and furniture for the lobby. Investment in the MRAA clubs has also been a priority. Several clubs have received new equipment or have been provided with funds to cover the cost of specific services. Financial support covers several areas: Clubs: equipment, honorariums for conductors, directors and technical services General Memberships: honorariums for guest speakers, subsidies for special events, complimentary memberships, subsidies for day trips, volunteer appreciation Centre Enhancements: equipment, furniture, Centre décor.

Over the years, how MRAA has used its funds has changed with the times. The principle of using the donations and money raised by various fund raisers to benefit the members and their cherished Centre will not change and will continue to guide the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors.