Bent Tree West Swim & Tennis Club. Dallas, TX. Fundraising & Improvements.

We Appreciate You!

The capital fund raising campaign has been a huge success. At the end of May 2009, we have raised $41,880 of our $50,000 goal and continue receiving more donations. We have outstanding pledges of $2,900. We want to acknowledge all those who have made contributions:

- Hawthorne, Rene' & Jerry; Platinum

- Oslmetha, Clement; Platinum

- Rinker/Martin, Marty & Carol; Platinum

- Welch, James & Katrina; Platinum

- Adkins, Darrell & Meg; Gold

- Arbetter, Jay & Fonda; Gold

- Cook, Michael & Tracy; Gold

- Pledger/Hansen, Corky & Lisa; Gold

- Rogers, Greg & Amanda; Gold

- Vining, Court & Lori; Gold

- Miller/Fontaine, Bryan & Catherine; Gold

- Myers, Paul & Kay; Gold

- Prullage, Steven & Ellen; Gold

- Baxter, Donald & Lisa; Gold

- Grabow, Bob & Carol; Silver

- Thompson/Hagens, Mark & Edie; Silver

- Skruch, Brian & Sherie; Silver

- Finks, Russ & Terri; Silver

- Talavera, Henry & Susan; Silver

- Taylor, Beau & Stephanie; Bronze

- Allen, Robert & Merrigale; Bronze

- Arbour, Mike & Katy; Bronze

- Bevil, Craig & Mary; Bronze

- Brown, Heather & Dan; Bronze

- Cullers, Cullen & Judy; Bronze

- Durcansky, Peter & Maria; Bronze

- Gibson/Gerard, Jerry & Bethlyn; Bronze

- Kirkpatrick, Jil; Bronze

- LaRosa, Robert & Brenda; Bronze

- Miller, Buddy & Marsha; Bronze

- Rachal, Tom & Denise; Bronze

- Rutherford, Derek & Michelle; Bronze

- Wolverton, Gary & Linda; Bronze

- Dobrient, Judge & Lisa; Bronze

- Dettle, Phil & Sherry; Bronze

- Byers, Michael & Marsha; sponsor

- Reese, Joseph & Margery; sponsor

- Braemer, David & Timiny; sponsor

- Wolfe, Scott & Dara; sponsor

- Johns, Randy & Christine; sponsor

- Ali, Huvishka & Lisa; sponsor

- Kurz, Jeff & Terry; sponsor

- Lang, James & Bonnie; sponsor

- Mikez, George & Kristi; sponsor

- Williams, Greg & Holly; sponsor

- Alper, Heather & John; sponsor

- Anonymous; sponsor

- Beaird, Pat & Colleen; sponsor

- Carby, Gary & Candy; sponsor

- Cottrell, Kenneth & Cindy; sponsor

- Davidson, Malcolm & Lois; sponsor

- Dugas, Chris & Tracy; sponsor

- Dumas, John; sponsor

- Essig, Eric & Karen; sponsor

- Ferman, Gary & Patricia; sponsor

- Frick, Mike & Carol; sponsor

- Gillen, Sharman; sponsor

- Glosser, Mark & Sherry; sponsor

- Griffin, Bill & Judith; sponsor

- Ingendorf, James & Leslie; sponsor

- Kirk, Cain & Suzanne; sponsor

- Myers, Vanessa; sponsor

- Pierce, Brad & Sandy; sponsor

- Reeder, David & Sherri; sponsor

- Rego, Jennifer & Charles; sponsor

- Scott, Russell & Brandi; sponsor

- Tel, Liane & Martijn; sponsor

- Wallace, Todd & Susan; sponsor

- Warshauer, William & Dina; sponsor

- Wright, Michael & Stacey; sponsor

- Yarborough, Tim & Dana; sponsor

- Hebard, Mark & Karen; sponsor

- Shost, Michael & Marcia; sponsor

- Poole, Steven & Annette; sponsor

- Parkhurst, Jeff & Jenni; sponsor

- Peabody, Richard; sponsor

- Bohling, Mike & Kim; sponsor

- Brummer, Dan & Lisa; sponsor

- Doby, William & Devon; sponsor

- Fernandez, Michael & Elizabeth; sponsor

- Fischer, Robert & Jill; sponsor

- Grant, Bill & Kristi; sponsor

- Lenington, Eric; sponsor

- Masri/Tucker, Tarik & Cynthia; sponsor

- Moore, Chris & Shawne; sponsor

- Mendonca, Francisco & De-Adra; sponsor

- Moloney, Larry & Robin; sponsor

- Ybarra, Anthony & Nancy; sponsor

- Holland, Tom & Patti; sponsor

- Su/Lin, Long & Fang Ming; sponsor

- Zavattari, Brad & Sally; sponsor

- Trammell, Lonnel & Joann; sponsor

- Kaplan, Seth & Kathryn; sponsor

- Yanof, Mike & Cynthia; sponsor

- Russo, Ned; sponsor

- Hood, Kenneth & Jane; sponsor

- Adams, Blake & Vicki; sponsor

- Delorenzi, Tom & Leslie; sponsor

- Guillaume, Sara Jane; sponsor

- Hardwick, Anita & Pat; sponsor

- Key, Ben & Michelle; sponsor

- Shull/Batto, Keith & Kilah; sponsor

- Wolf, Bruce & Cindy; sponsor

- Baldwin, Forrest & Juli; sponsor

- Hickney, Mark & Katie; sponsor

- Lopez/Albarracin, Ray & Tania; sponsor

- Williams, Jake & Laura; sponsor

- Boyer, Robert & Faye; sponsor

- Martineau, Chris & Laurie; sponsor

- Engleman, Toby & Melba; sponsor

- Coltharp, Mikel & Susan; sponsor

- Abide, James & Kathy; sponsor

- Parks, Ralph; sponsor

- Reihsen, Julie; sponsor

- Rice, Andrew & Jessica; sponsor

- Dombrowski, Robert & Kim; sponsor

- EastepRandy & Mary Kay; sponsor

- Keever, Phil & Mary Louise; sponsor

- Hall, Blake & Beverly; sponsor

Construction Updates

Pool drained. Depth Markers revised for Code Compliance. Coping repairs in progress.

Kid's swimming!

April 30, 2009

It's really deep down there!

Next -- Drain cover code compliance, pool prep, lane line markers & Plaster!

April 30,2009

More pics added in Photo Gallery!

To Our Club Members - 2008/2009

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Donate at these levels to receive premiums!

$300 Bronze Level Sponsor

2 clubhouse rentals ($100 value)

$500 Silver Level Sponsor

2 clubhouse rentals + 1 regular pool party ($225 total value)

$1,000 Gold Level Sponsor

2 clubhouse rentals + 1 private pool party + 2009 full membership ($1,000 total value)

$2,500 Platinum Level Sponsor

Lifetime club membership (non-transferable; only 10 available)

Improvement goals

As a not-for-profit organization, the Club cannot borrow money or obtain credit to make installment purchases. Recognizing these financial limitations, the Board formed the Capital Improvement Committee in 2008. The committee met regularly in and received input from its members. A large number of repair and improvement projects for the Club were identified and prioritized, and estimated costs were determined. The following major projects were identified:

1. Safety & code requirements & Pool resurfacing - Completed May 2009

2. Arbor repair (materials, labor by club members)

3. Outside bathroom remodeling - Completed January 2010

4. Clubhouse update - Completed December 2009

These projects require raising $50,000. The largest expenditure is $30,000+ for pool resurfacing and related safety/code compliance items.

Some of the safety & code compliance items refer to the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act. VGB is a new federal act, signed into law, designed to eliminate drowning deaths in swimming pools due to unsafe suction outlets or main drains in swimming pools. The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act requires the installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries in swimming pools. This Act affects all commercial public swimming pools as defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Although BTW had safe drain covers prior to the remodel, we are now VGB compliant.

2008/2009 Financial status of the Club

At current membership levels, club revenue is sufficient only for the facility's operation and most critical repairs, and not for its maintenance or improvement needs. Club membership has dropped since the mandatory Phase IV participation stopped. In 2005, the Club had 297 members. In 2008, recruiting efforts by the Board successfully stabilized the clubs membership at 220. The Board believes that increasing annual dues this year would result in a further loss of members, and would not raise enough revenue to provide the funds needed for repairs or improvement projects. Consequently, the Board will maintain its annual dues at the 2008 level in 2009. It is also believed that cost-cutting measures like reducing pool hours or eliminating lifeguard service would result in a further loss of membership, and would not raise the additional funds needed for repairs before the busy summer season begins.

The clubs 2008 fiscal year ends on March 31st. Memberships generated about $69,000 in 2008, and other revenue (e.g., ice cream sales, concessions, lessons, rentals) is estimated at $17,000. The clubs estimated total expenses for 2008 are $75,000. The Board expects to begin the 2009 season with $20,000 in cash, a balance that will not cover all major repair projects as monthly operating funds are needed to start 2009 and a reserve must be maintained for catastrophic and emergency repairs. For example, the main pool pump motor was replaced in 2008 and facility repairs were made after last Mays windstorm. Starting in 2009, the Board set a target of reserving 7 percent of membership revenues for club improvement projects.

What can you do today to help?

Renew your annual membership. Consider a donation at the $300, $500, or $1,000 level. Donations will be committed for club repairs and improvements, and additional incentives awarded based on the donation amount. A separate request letter will be mailed to BTW residents that are not BTWST club members.
Recruit new members to the Club. Talk to your neighbors and explain why it is in their interest to support a neighborhood asset that directly affects their homes value.
Finally, participate in Club events and consider volunteering your time to the Club. Board members can answer questions about getting involved and helping serve to improve the Club. The Board needs your participation and help, regardless of how sporadic or random it might be or in whatever form it may take (e.g., advice, time, or your hands).

The timing of repairs is in your hands

Improvement Committee and Board members will contact all club members over the next few

weeks. Please share your ideas, suggestions, and comments. Please consider a donation to make club repairs and improvements.

Mail payments:

Bent Tree West Swim & Tennis Club

P. O. Box 702004

Dallas, TX 75370

How will you know if targets are being met?

This website will track the timing and goal. Periodic e-mail updates will be sent to club members recognizing all donors and reporting on fundraising against the campaigns targets. Please include an e-mail address when paying your invoice or making a donation to ensure you receive these important updates.

General membership meeting

The Board and the Improvement Committee would like to discuss further details with club members on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 7pm in the BTWST clubhouse. Until then, please contact us at www.btwclub.org.

To Our BTW Homeowner Neighbors

A community pool or clubhouse is a great place to meet, make new friends, and bring together a neighborhood. Maintaining these community assets is important, not only to the club members, but also to residents whose property values are affected by the club's condition. Please consider contributing to the capital improvement campaign today.

BTW Homeowners may Ask What's in it for My Family? In addition to protecting your home's value, sponsors are also offered the above sponsor incentives.

The volunteer-run Bent Tree West Swim & Tennis Club is sending this message as an urgent appeal for your financial support. The purpose of this letter is to bring awareness to the clubs capital campaign. The pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and surrounding facilities at the Club need major repairs in the very near future. These projects require raising $50,000. The ramification of not making immediate repairs to the facility leaves the Club and home values in the surrounding BTW community in a dire situation.

What can the BTW Homeowner do today to help?

Consider a $200 donation. All BTW residents will be contacted over the next few weeks. Donations will be committed to club repairs, and not used for its operational needs. Please share your ideas, suggestions, and comments when you are contacted.
Join or recruit new members the Club. Talk to your neighbors and explain why it is in their interest to support a neighborhood asset that directly affects their home value.
Finally, participate in club events and consider volunteering your time to the Club. Board members can answer questions about getting involved and helping serve to improve the Club. The Board needs your participation and help, regardless of how sporadic or random it might be or in whatever form it may take (e.g., advice, time, or your hands).

Other Firm Fundraising Plans

Neighborhood Garage Sale to be announced! To be held on Swim & Tennis Club grounds. Come back often to check website for more ideas or contact Pam Nieder and the committee with more ideas!
Neighborhood Party - A Hamburger Fundraiser!
A Sailing Cruise - Scheduled for June 16 on Member Michael McMahon's HUGE sailing vessel, Chamonix II. Check her out at www.bigdcats.com to get ready or contact Pam Nieder!
Your big idea? Contact Pam Nieder!

2009 Summary of Fundraising Updates

APRIL 18: As of today, we have collected $36,670. We have additional pledges totaling another $6,672 bringing our total fundraising to $43,342. We are over 86% of the way to reaching our capital improvement target.

AND with this good news, the Pool Resurfacing and code enhancements are being scheduled to commence. We will announce once the work has begun and will constantly update this page with the progress being made.

As 2009-2010 President of the club, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible support so many of you have given. I have spoken to quite a few of you over the past weeks and appreciate the feedback, the compliments and the input for keeping the BTW Swim & Tennis Club a cherished community asset.

Please keep the pledges and memberships coming. If you know of anyone who thought of joining, give them a nudge. We are working to make this season and future seasons the place to be!

Beau Taylor

President

Members and community neighbors will be able to check back here and on the home page throughout the season for all fundraising details.

April 8: The money just keeps coming in. I am starting to get excited for the beginning of the swim season. We are up to just a hair under $29k in combined pledges and donations. With two weeks left until our deadline it is critical you send in your checks today. You can mail your check to: BTWST, PO BOX 702004, Dallas, Texas 75370.

Improving and maintaining the pool is important. However, the most important part of the pool is its members You! Consider reaching out to your neighbors for an impromptu Pot-Luck BBQ to promote joining the club. The more visible we are in the community, the more our membership will grow.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill.

Building a successful pool, neighborhood and community is about giving. Not just money, but time and enthusiasm. The best thing about your investment is that you get friendships in return.

We want to thank all the families that have sent in their contributions totaling over $17k.

· The Hawthorne and Rinker/Martin Families Platinum Level Donation receiving lifetime membership.

· The Adkins, Arbetter, Cook and Grabow Families Gold Donation Level

· The Fink Family Silver Donation Level

· The Allen, Arbour, Bevil, Brown, Cullers, Kirkpatrick, LaRosa, Rutherford and Taylor Families Bronze Donation Level.

· The Ali, Alper, Beaird, Byers, Cottrell, Delorenzi, Essig, Ferman, Glosser, Guillaume, Ingendorf, Key, Kirk, Kurz, Lang, Reeder, Reese, Rego, Reihsen, Rice, Shull/Batto, Skrunch, Tel, Wright and Yanof Familes as well, for their contributions towards the improvement of the pool and our neighborhood.

We also want to thank the following families who have pledged toward the campaign:

· The Clement Family Platinum Level Pledge

· The Thompson/Hagens and Rogers Families Gold Level Pledges

· The Skruch Family Silver Level Pledge

· The Nace, Pledger and Wolverton Families Bronze Level Pledges

· The Sharma, Bullock, Ernst, Hicks, Beyer, Chiu, Dombrowski, Eastep, Fisher, Hogue/Lockridge, Myersy, Preaux, Landesberg, Boyer, Coltharp, Engleman/Howell, Gersh, Leslie, Marley, Montgomery, Rachal, Rhodes, Ardizzoni, Bell, Carby, Cottrell, Davidson, Dumas, Fernandez, Frick, Griffin, Hinojosa, Holland, Hsu/Tang, Miller, Pickett, Pierce, Prullage, Puckett/Allen, Scott, Seedig, Warshauer, Wilson, Yarborough, Ybarra, Zale, Zavattari and Wolfe Families for their pledges.

Keep the checks coming in and keep an ear open for the phone. Some of your neighbors may be calling you for your pledge.

Pam Nieder

March 23: Welcome back from Spring Break!

I hope everyone had a wonderful week. We have had an encouraging level of donations and pledges pour in during the first week of the campaign. Thank you everyone, for starting us off so well.

We have received donations of $3877, and additional pledges of $1450, taking us to a total of $5827.25. Over 10% towards our goal of $50k.

Thank you to the following families for their enthusiastic donations and pledges...

Adkins Family Gold Sponsor

Cook Family Gold Sponsor

Rogers Family Gold Sponsor

Skruch Family Silver Sponsor

Bevil Family Bronze Sponsor

LaRosa Family Bronze Sponsor

Taylor Family Bronze Sponsor

We also received donations/pledges from the Kurz Family, Pierce Family, Reihsen Family, Shull/Batto Family and the Tel Family.

Oh! And we cant forget Alexandra Thompson, a ten year old from the swim team, who donated 25¢ from her tooth fairy money towards our campaign.

Okay So, what is next? We are four weeks away from our April 18th deadline, to begin work on the pool. If you havent sent in your donation, now is the time to do so. This week, calls will be going out to the membership and HOA, informing everyone about our campaign and seeking pledges. We will then be following up with additional calls to the membership, to drive as many donations in as possible, before our deadline.

In closing for this week ... If you are considering the lifetime membership, now is the time to act. This offer may never be repeated. Talk to your friends and neighbors about joining the pool. Consider having your next get together at the club house. Contact me if you are a business owner and would like to be a corporate sponsor.

Have a great week. Come back next week for an update on where we are towards reaching our target. Pam Nieder

March 8: Thank you to the following families for their help in stuffing envelopes this weekend, for the $50k Capital Improvement Campaign: The Cook Family, the Brown Family, the Reeder Family, the Durcanska Family, and my own Sam, Max and Tommy.

You may ask; Pam, whats in the mail? Well, your exciting opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our pool is in the mail. As well as your membership renewal form for the 2009 season. We hope that you will act quickly. In order to begin the pool resurfacing portion of the project, we need the funds by April 18th. So, dont delay.

Our initial contribution came in from the Skruch family last Fall when the Improvement Committee was organized. Thank you so much for setting the tone and momentum for us all. Keep your eyes on your mailbox for your opportunity to give. We will be following up with a phone campaign to the entire HOA and pool membership around the week of March 23rd. Pam Nieder

February: Pam Nieder stepped up as our Fundraising & Improvements Committee Chairperson! Please contact Pam or a board member if you can help!

October/November 2008 - February 2009: Fundraising committee formed and met monthly. Board requested volunteers to head up efforts to raise improvement funds and prioritize repairs.

Lifetime Membership Disclaimer

Lifetime membership non transferable. Lifetime membership based on existing services available in 2009.