Project Light of Manatee, Inc.

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Project Light of Manatee, Inc. is a non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).

FIN # 65-0490652

FL Non-Profit Registration # SC 05159

Project Light uses no professional solicitors collecting donations on our behalf. 100% of contributions go directly to the work of Project Light.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation.

President's Message from the 2008 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

This may be the last time I address you in the Annual Report. My plan is to retire this year and become simply a board member. Of course, I cannot leave Project Light entirely, and I hope to still make a contribution to the effort of keeping our doors open.

We started the year on a high note. We had a generous grant from the Wilson Wood Foundation that gave us a good start. However by mid-year we could see that donations were not coming in as regular as in the past because the economy was beginning to take a nose dive. By September we were in panic mode and were afraid that we would be forced to close. Thanks to an emergency grant from the Manatee Community Foundation and a good response to pleas to our friends we were able to finish 2008 intact. However, we had to let all our paid staff go. Now, we are operating with volunteers only with the Board of Directors taking a large part of the responsibility of opening and closing the facility.

The year wasn't all bad news, we had some great times together. The first event was the Annual Meeting held at our house. The board provided the food and as usual, being the good cooks that we are, it was delicious. It was a lovely day and everyone seemed to have a good time.


The next event was a BBQ held at the center. The cost was kept low so that the students could participate and the Board did the cooking. Jay Digma arranged to have the Pittsburgh Pirates pay us a visit and it became the highlight of the day!

We also held two yard sales and as usual had fun doing it. Both were held at our house and many people showed up to see what we had to sell.

Another fun fund raiser was the Fish Fry and Silent Auction. The food was delicious and the Silent Auction was a big success despite the rainy weather. It was again held at the Bayside Banquet Hall in Cortez. There was an excellent band thanks to Ken Richards who spearheaded the whole thing. While we didn't have as many people attend as the year before, we made up for it in camaraderie.

The Children's Program was again fully funded thanks to the Service Club. It was fun for the children and staff alike. Tropicana again supplied the juice and Publix the snacks.

My thanks to all for a good year after all!
Ann Griffin