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Dear Indianapolis Bridge Center (IBC) Members:
I will be sending multiple emails this month as we wrap up 2024 and initiate a happy new year for 2025. The purpose of this email is to share the board approved 2025 budget. Copies will be posted on the bulletin boards at IBC. (Please remember that budgets are projections not promises.)
Budgeted income is based on the four major goals of our five-year business plan:
1) 400 paid members annually;
2) 1600 F2F paying players monthly;
3) 40 new members annually; and
4) sustaining our operating reserve.
If you have not yet paid the $50 membership dues, please pay it before December 31. It is the critical first indicator for attaining the balanced budget objective. Having 1600 paying players is the biggest element and challenge especially in the first three months of the year as we face bad weather, cold/flu season, snowbird flight, etc. Management and volunteers are working hard to offer special games and activities to encourage you to play as often as you can. Please make an extra effort to help reach this goal during the coming months!
The expense budget considered existing leases/contracts, expenses in past years, and management’s advice about anticipated increases. In 2024 we gave raises to the management team and in 2025 raises for the game directors have been allocated. Both raises in employee compensation were overdue and are well-earned. Please take a minute during this holiday season to give them a “thank you” for their good work. They routinely go above and beyond.
No pressure but IBC’s financial stability depends on you and your active participation and voluntary support. We have not made urgent pleas for donations because you continue to give without being asked. You may not know that IBC’s current and exceptional policy is to give free plays to members who are “over 90.” However, most continue, not only to pay for games but, to make extra monetary donations. Other members voluntarily support the Friends of Fritz Fund, donate gifts in memory or honor of friends/family, or just give to help however needed. Such generosity is the core and heart of IBC. Special thanks to all!!!
Please direct questions about the budget to our treasurer, Nick Curott, nick.curott@gmail.com, or Larry Cohen, VP and Finance Committee Chair, larry@norle.net. They devoted countless hours consulting with management, comparing budgeted and actual figures in past years, and talking to employees and players about priorities and expectations of what IBC should/could provide. Their commitment has been dauntless and their expertise invaluable.
Another email from me will be coming your way early next week.
Stay well and warm and, as always, “thank you.”
Andie Marshall, IBC Board President
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