Azalea Charities Annual Meeting
Azalea Charities held its annual meeting today at Giorgio’s Family Restaurant in Montclair, Virginia. Over forty supporters gathered to learn about the vision Azalea Charities has for the coming year in their support of local community charities and international Aid for Wounded Warriors.
Doug Taggart, President and CEO, opened the meeting, with Frank Lasch, Chairman & Founder of Azalea Charities, introducing special guests, Lieutenant General Ronald S. Coleman, USMC (Ret); Mike and Charlotte Zeiders, founders of the Quality of Life Foundation; Frances Harris, Executive Director of ACTS; Keeyana Mahoney, Program Director of the Hylton Boys and Girls Club, Dale City VA; Glenn Vickers, Branch Director of the Boys and Girls Club Manassas, VA; and Bob Grasso, Logis-Tech, Inc., representing the Prince William County–Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce.
Frank Lasch presented an overview of the causes supported by Azalea Charities. Since Azalea Charities is a dual-mission charity, these causes fall into two distinct categories. Under Aid for Wounded Warriors, support includes VA / military hospitals, Quality of Life Foundation, Thomas Jerome House, Air Compassion for Veterans, WWII / Korea / Vietnam veterans, various partner organizations and international wounded military. Support for community charities includes Special Olympics of Northern Virginia, Boys and Girls Clubs from Arlington to Fredericksburg, homeless shelters, cancer and disease support, education and other special needs projects.
Norm Albert,Vice President Special Projects, presented an overview of Team Azalea Charities, which raises funds for Aid for Wounded Warriors through participation in events such as the Marine Corps Marathon.The meeting also included a report on the organization’s financial status, given by Treasure Tom Rachele, approval of a Policies and Procedures Manual, election of annualBoard of Director positions, and approval of next year’s budget.
Doug Taggart commented, “Our purpose is really quite simple – we strive to find ways to apply the variety of talents from our 100% volunteer organization to support people in need. The old cliché that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole is certainly appropriate in viewing a great group of people working together to support this common cause.”
Frank Lasch added, “$184,000 was distributed this past fiscal year, with another $46,000 distributed in the new fiscal year. This is a testament to our dedicated supporters and volunteers.”
