Just over a year ago, the Center of Anna Maria Island was on the verge of bankruptcy and preparing for the possibility of closing its doors.
Fifteen months later, the center has a goal to become more stable, according to the discussion among board members at their Sept. 26 meeting. However, the sting of distrust still follows the nonprofit.
To rebuild trust in the community, the center reached out to Bob Carter, Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter’s husband and chair of Carter, a leading philanthropic and fundraising consulting firm.
According to the company website, Carter — the company — provides innovative solutions to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and abroad. The site states that “Carter consultants apply their knowledge, experience and creativity to create and support successful strategies to help nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions.”
Center board members discussed the firm’s recommendations for the nonprofit, including a suggested expansion of the board.
“Whether right or wrong, the community does not see the efforts that have been put forth to bring the current plan to light,” Bob Carter’s recommendation reads. “Carter recommends that consideration of additional new board members become a focal point for rebuilding the trust and confidence of the community in the center.”
Efforts to expand the board are underway.
In August, two members were welcomed to the board. Anna Maria resident Sam Pakbaz and Bradenton Beach resident Sean Flynn bring the board to 11 members.
Bob Carter recommended the board have 17-24 members.
Board member Patty McBean reported that two more candidates for the board would be presented in October.
In other news, center executive director Kristin Lessig said the nonprofit received gifts from the Pittsburgh Pirates for field maintenance and from Publix for wrestling mats.
Also, organizing has started for an Oct. 21 golf tournament. The fundraising event will include an auction, luncheon and 18 holes of competition.
The center is seeking “sponsors on all levels” for the tournament, Lessig said.
The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
On the board
Chair Bill Shuman, treasurer Jim Froeschle, Erik Abrahamson, Ed Chiles, Scott Dean, Sean Flynn, Rex Hagen, Patty McBean, Sam Pakbaz, Lindsay Sauls and Mike Thrasher.