A Special Message from FAAWIS President Sheila Plaga Jackson 
Hooray, spring is finally here! Can you believe we are already into May? During these first few months, FAAWIS has definitely been a lot of work. It is almost like a part time job. However, in spite of the many challenges, the experiences, accomplishments, and rewards, thus far, has motivated and inspired me even more to “finish the race”.
The first 3 hurdles I was immediately faced with in 2010 were completing the 501 Federal Tax Exempt process; finding a new FAAWIS webmaster to maintain our website; and figuring out how we were going to do the Bulalakaw without our Bulalakaw Guru of 7 years, Mario Ballesteros. With the 501 application, we completed all the necessary documents needed by the IRS, making FAAWIS an official 501c4 Federal Tax Exempt organization in mid April. How exciting it was to see something that has been in the works for almost 3 years finally come to
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fruition! The next step for us now is to
apply for State Tax Exemption. Thank you to all who had their hands in
this project from day one!
In February, we were very fortunate to have Diane Wolf as our new web master. Diane not only created a new website for us, but she also kindly agreed to maintain the new website at a very affordable rate. We hope you will visit our website, and hope you will like our fresh, new look! In March, we were able to obtain the software needed to do the newsletter, and I and my nephew, Jaizon (bless his heart), were able to quickly learn the new software in time for the deadline of this issue of Bulalakaw.
Then, for the first 2 events in April and May, I had the pleasure of working with 2 phenomenal teams, my Bowling & Spring Fling committees. What a blessing it was to have Patrick Moloney & Mareta Prill
chair these events, respectively. Both committees were absolutely great
to work with, and they made |
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things go so
smoothly the day of the event that I was actually able to enjoy both events. In addition to the Spring Fling event, not only were we able to raise money for the Philippine Center Free Medical Clinic, but also, we were able to raise enough money to cover our entire expense needed for new costumes & props for the Silahis Dance Troupe. Although these past 4 months have been a bit challenging and overwhelming, I cannot go without saying how truly thankful I am to my God, who has been there every step of the way - giving me the strength I needed during the times I had no sleep; sending me a great group of people to work with to get the job done; providing the financial support needed to meet our budget thus far; and most of all, comforting and reassuring me that I am not alone in “this race”.
As always, I look forward to seeing you and meeting new faces at our upcoming events!!! |
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| | | 2010 FAAWIS OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Sheila Plaga Jackson
VICE-PRESIDENT Chad Albano
PRESIDENT-ELECT Christine Lamerand
SECRETARY Tom Baas
TREASURER Abri Morris
AUDITOR Tessie Santos
PROPERTY CUSTODIANS Roger Mendoza Alvin Jackson
EX-OFFICIO Marie Abraham-Rebancos, MD |
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