Treasurer’s update

Greetings everyone! If you don't know me, my name is Xander Simmons and I am Eliot Institute's new Treasurer. I've been attending camps produced by Eliot since I was 3 years old, attending all camps but August and Winter more often than not. Both my mom, Stephanie Simmons, my maternal grandmother, Jane Simmons, and now my dad, Jim Francis, have attended and/or currently attend Eliot camps. I have a fair number of accounting/financial skills that I am hoping to bring to the table to ensure Eliot's continued success. I am looking forward to a prosperous future under my purview with sustaining support from Eliot's beloved community.

I want to first off thank my predecessor, Seth Moran, and all of Eliot's previous Treasurers for their time, effort, and service. It's clear to me that Eliot's finances have been handled well and I look to advance that future in my term. Seth will continue to be on Eliot's Finance Committee, alongside myself and Eliot Board President Lynn Sabourin. Skyler Kersten and Rick Pope have moved off the committee and we thank them for their service. The Finance Committee is looking for more members. We meet as needed so the time commitment is minimal. If you're interested in being a part of the committee, please email me at ajfsimmons@gmail.com. 

Eliot Institute continues to be “in the black” post COVID-19 pandemic. For FY23, we had just under $18,000 in net revenue to replenish our coffers. This is almost entirely because of our wonderful community donors and the work of Eliot's Fundraising Committee. We could not have done it without you! That being said, we still must rely on fundraiser donations to fully fund our 2024 budget. As of right now, we need $4,000 in contributions to our Operations Fund to make ends meet. 

You can contribute online to Eliot here. When donating, there are three funds to which you can designate your gift: the Operations Fund, the Opportunity Fund, and the Scholarship Fund. Money to the Operations Fund makes sure Eliot can operate our camps and pay our staff’s salaries. The Opportunity Fund, also known as the Strategic Initiatives Fund, helps secure Eliot’s future financial vitality and supports initiatives from committees and the Board. The Scholarship Fund will ensure those who need financial assistance will be able to come to camp. 

In consideration of Eliot’s current budgetary needs, your treasurer recommends donations be designated first to the Operations Fund, followed by the Scholarship Fund, then the Opportunity Fund.  

As always, in addition to donations, campership registrations are what mainly keep Eliot alive. We have some amazing speakers coming up this year and would sure love your attendance. You can find out more information about our upcoming camps here. Let's all come together in Covenant to have fun, respect one another, and take advantage of spiritual growth. Register here.

See you at camp!

~Xander Simmons, Treasurer