West Bay Rotary Club Meeting December 4, 2014

Posted by Jennifer Bell 
on Dec 07, 2014
 
West Bay Rotary Club meeting
December 4, 2014
 
 
 
 
Guest Speaker:  Steve Crane – UMCC Board President
Steve spoke to the membership about UMCC state of affairs and what the organization is doing to move forward.
Steve Crane took over as UMCC Board President on August 20, 2014.  A week later he discovered that Rusty Brace, former UMCC Board President, had deposited a number of donor checks into his personal bank account instead of UMCC’s accounts.   When Steve approached Rusty with this finding, Rusty admitted to stealing the money.  Over the next few weeks, the FBI investigation revealed that a total of $3.8 million dollars had been stolen in the same manner.  Given the enormity of this case, the UMCC board has been scrutinizing their Bi-Laws and policies and procedures to ensure this can never happen again and to re-build trust within the community. 
 
Steve stated that UMCC’s mission is the same as it was when it started in 1942:  Giving to those in need in Waldo and Knox County.   Steve highlighted that UMCC has given out nearly $5 million in the last 10 years and that many of their most loyal donors have expressed continued support of the organization and are continuing to make donations.  There continues to be a big need out there and the 40 member Board of Directors continues to review each organization they support and give money based on those reviews.    
 
Steve then opened up the discussion for questions from the membership:
  • How was he able to have access to those checks?  The UMCC mail was placed on his desk every morning and he got to the checks before the UMCC board ever knew they existed.
  • How did he cash those checks?  Rusty had close connection to The First bank, located on the first floor of the building he owns on Elm Street.  All the checks he took were made out to UMCC.  However, he was able to slip UMCC checks in among other deposits he was making to his private accounts.  Steve was not sure how the bank allowed this to happen.
  • If UMCC gets some or all of the $3.8 million back, what will you do with all the money? The intent would be to give it back to the community.
  • Did the UMCC Board have D&O Insurance?  No.  They are still sorting out the board’s liability but they feel that the board members will not be held liable in any way.
  • Marty Martens reminded the membership that UMCC has given a large amount of money this year and the endowment they have is strong.
  • How do they handle checks that come in now?  How do they deal with picking up the mail?  They are trying to sort this out but realize that there still has to be an element of trust.
  • What about the thank you notes for the stolen checks?  Rusty wrote thank you notes to the donors from whom he stole the checks. 
  • Have there been changes in By-Laws for UMCC?  Yes, there is a plan to review term-limits, # of directors, structure etc..
  • Steve stated that Rusty has not apologized.  He would not comment on whether Becky Brace was involved or not.
  • Chase Lasbury reminded us to reach out to Rusty’s daughters as this has been a difficult time for them.
  • Yes, Rusty did donate some of the money he stole to other charities.
  • Has there been some discussion about hiring an employee for UMCC to reduce the risk of someone embezzling?  UMCC is considering this option.
 
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Buckets on the Table:  for PAWS!!  Fundraiser was on Dec 4th, 2014 at the new building on John Streetc
 
Rotary information: 
Sandy Cox – How to use the cash register for Christmas Tree Sales.  The register is a cash drawer and an IPAD on a holder with a card swipe.   Sandy reviewed the procedure and the directions for running the register are written down by the register.  Sandy’s phone number is available for any questions about the register and how to close out the register at night.
First couple days of sales have been great!!!  There are still times available to sign up, especially during the week, to sell trees.
 
Tom Chester:  Frozen 5K this Saturday at Point lookout.  Talk to Tom Chester if you want to help with this.
 
Sal Garozzo received his blue badge today.  Welcome Sal!
 
Dinner plan with Hospitality House has changed.  Talk with Susan Dorr if you are interested in helping with cooking or providing food for the Hospitality House this Sunday.  They need desserts!
 
There is still room to sign up for the Holiday Buffet at Cappy’s on December 9th.  Talk with Barbara Heard if you want to attend.