2008 Recap

Brad Ward (2008 President) and I would like to thank the Upper Arlington community for their continued support and the Upper Arlington Civic Association Directors for their great stewardship of your membership contributions this past year. 

Membership increased slightly from 4009 in 2007 to 4014 in 2008.  This was achieved in part due to an additional solicitation for contributions that occurred late in the year.  This steadying in the level of support was wonderful news as membership had been on a steady decline for the past 5 years.  The UACA hopes to build on this and increase membership numbers in the coming year. 

Revenue from The Walk and other fund raising solicitations increased slightly to $109,982.  Other income from the Annual Memorial Day Run and Party in the Park tables totaled $22,207.

Overall, expenses were held in check with most events being under-budget.  However, rising insurance costs and higher postage expenses offset most of the savings. Insurance and storage costs make up 18% of our operating budget. 

Due to inclement weather (remember the Blizzard?) and an early date for Easter, the Easter Candy Hunt was cancelled this year.  Despite significant across the board cost cutting, overall income was less than budget and the Haunted Castle had to be cancelled so the UACA could achieve a balanced budget.

Expenditures for the UACA’s biggest event, The 4th of July which includes The Parade, Party in the Park and Fireworks, were $58,795 down from $63, 829 in 2007.  This is just an example of the “belt tightening” achieved during the year. Other events your donation funded this year included Civic Pride Day, Golden Apple Teacher Awards, Junior Directors, Memorial Day Run, Labor Neighbor Day Bike Races and Wiffleball Tournament, Senior Big Band Swing, and Christmas in the Park. We were pleased to add a fourth day to Christmas in the Park without increasing expenditures. The additional day allowed over 500 children to visit with Santa. We believe this to be an all time record!

In the coming year we plan to increase awareness about the UACA with all the residents of UA.  It is our hope that this increased awareness will provide greater membership numbers.  Please let your neighbors know how important the UACA is to our community!

The UA Civic Association is thrilled to sponsor excellent family and community-building activities that Upper Arlington can be proud of!  

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Mast

UACA 2009 President