EDITORIAL: CRITERIA FOR GIVING TO NON-PROFITS

As a member of a Screening Committee of a large veteran’s organization for several years, and after attending seminars FOR charities in general, I’ve made some important observations. The following are points that you should consider and questions that you should ask when considering your donation to ANY non-profit:

1. Does the organization have, or have they applied for 501(3)(c) status with the IRS - OR come under the umbrella of same?

2. Does the requester of funds represent a cause, program and/or effort which meets the goal, spirit and cause of the person/organization who is making the donation?

3. Is the organization state incorporated and willing to back it up with proof?

4. Is the organization willing to share with the public:
a. Financial Statements (including fund raising totals and expenditures)?
b. A list of its accomplishments in relation to its mission?

5. Some Chambers of Commerce and local charitable groups stress giving to ONLY local charities - for obvious reasons. Many donations are pooled together in a National or even International level (i.e. Red Cross, Veterans Organizations). Some say its “The American Way” to share with others in need. Those who can…will.

6. In some states, the Attorney General may not allow posts to make donations to “Vet’s Visits” from their gaming funds – however, GENERAL FUNDS ARE ALLOWED.

THE QUESTION TO ASK IF GIVING TO “VET’S VISITS”

Q. How does “Vet’s Visits” serve our Veterans (active duty, reserves), families, organizations and community??

A. “Vet’s Visits on TV” provides valuable information and education about many veterans benefits/programs, both State and Federal. We interview Congressmen, along with State and National Officers of many Veterans organizations also.

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Do you know of a city with a population of 3,000+, a public access channel, a veteran’s group and a County Veterans Service Officer who would be interested in learning more about bringing “Vet’s Visits” to their community?? If so, please contact Jerry Barnhart at the address / telephone number located in the upper left hand corner of this page.

AUGUST FEATURES ON “VET’S VISITS”

1. Patriotic Open:Recreation Singers
2. Dates in History
3. Part 1: HONOR FLIGHT background given in January inteview
4. Part 2: Greeting 50 WWII veterans returning from their trip to Washington D.C. in April
5. Part 3: June reunion of those who were part of the Honor Flight, including slides, reflections and an interview with a “guardian” who accompanied one of the veterans.
6. Veterans Service Officer Report

Many other great features are ready to be added into future monthly shows. Please see the ENCLOSED POSTER with a listing of your schedule. One poster lists 290 Minnesota cities and the other poster lists communities in 17 other states.

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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (SPRING / SUMMER)

On May 5, 2008, the “Vet’s Visits” Board members met at Jerry & June Barnhart’s home. Seven of the ten members were present, including Neil Doyle, who is the new addition to the Olmsted County Veterans Service Office.

The next meeting is tentatively set for Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m.

Page 2: July – September ‘08 On-Line

Page 2 – July – Sept ’08 On-Line

DONATIONS RECEIVED
May 15 – July 12

-- VFW Post 1215 -- Rochester, MN
-- American Legion Post 110 -- Lake City, MN
-- AL 40&8 of Olmsted County -- Rochester, MN
-- Veterans of Foreign Wars -- Hopkins

“Vet’s Visits” is MOST GRATEFUL for these donations. “Thank You” receipts were mailed out.

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“VET’S VISITS” CONSTITUTION APPROVED IN 1998
BY-LAWS TO BE APPROVED IN OCTOBER 2008

Article I: Name and Purpose “Vet’s Visits on TV”, Inc.
Organized exclusively for charitable, information and education purposes. For veterans, active and inactive military, their families and organizations.

The mission of this corporation is “To use the medium of Public, Education, Government cable access channels, other TV media, our contracted www and YouTube.com to share information/education via our monthly ½ hour series for Active, Reserve, Military Veterans and ALL organizations who care…”

Article II: Membership
“..shall consist of the Board of Directors”

Article III: Board of Directors

For a copy of our by-laws, please send a S.A.S.E. to Jerry Barnhart at the address listed on the Contacts page of this website.

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STATE-WIDE ENDORSEMENTS VALUED

Several veterans’ organizations have given their endorsement to “VET’S VISITS” over the years. Our Board of Directors is most appreciative of this, as it shows confidence that we are producing positive programs that they approve of. To date, the following organizations are listed in our closing credits as those who endorse “VET’S VISITS on TV”
Minnesota – Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
Minnesota – American Legion
Minnesota – Honorary Society of 40&8
Minnesota – AMVETS (American Veterans)
Minnesota – Disabled American Veterans
Minnesota – Veterans of Foreign Wars
Iowa – Veterans of Foreign Wars

If you wish to obtain the endorsement for “Vet’s Visits” from YOUR state-wide organization, please contact Jerry and he will send you a sample endorsement as a guide. No financial obligation is required.

Brad Lindsey – CVSO/Co-Host
Shannon Larsen – Sec/Treasurer
Jerome Perry – Legal Adviser
Dale Skauge – Webmaster
Tony Lee – Web Domain Mgr.

IF WE DON’T DO IT...WHO WILL??