President Debra Newton called the meeting to order.

Those in Attendance were: Debra Newton, President, Anna Duvurri Vice President, Somny Nelson, Roger Cox, Judy Massey, Al Schwerdt, Marlene Blom, Michael Turner

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed.

Debra Newton made three baskets and some cups. Three baskets were raffled and someone misappropriated a few cups. We received $103.50 in raffle proceeds. Expenses were about $60.00 for a net profit on baskets of $43.50. Also, $10.00 was donated.

Anna Duvurri presented donations of $1,104.00

It was agreed to continue to market baskets to the Atlanta Bldg., Corona Bldg. and to Bingo players. Judy Massey suggested that we keep the cost of each basket down to insure some profit. The basket raffle viability will be evaluated each meeting.

Other "cup" baskets were discussed which could include such items as spices, soap, chocolate, teas, coffees, welcome cups with local product samples, and plastic spoons heaped with flavors for coffees 11etc. "Branding" of items with Ability Counts, Inc. labels could enhance product. Donated items and seasonal items could further make these items profitable.

Planning for the December 13th putting on the Ritz holiday ball is progressing. Responsibilities assigned so far are:

Al Schwerdt Chinese Food

Michael Turner photography, including mat covers for photos

Debra Newton baskets for flowers and flowers

We still need people to help with the following:

Decoration. Diane Razo will be contacted to help with making the room festive.

Tickets production

People to assist the night of the event

Tickets will be sold for $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. If consumers purchasing tickets in advance need transportation the fee will be $20.00. A flyer will be made for the event, which can also be used to recruit volunteers to decorate and help the night of the event.

Diane Razo will be contacting a local church, which may have some volunteers.

Roger Cox presented two letters soliciting assistance from parents/care providers and local businesses. A membership concept was discussed which we will defer until after the holidays but an open ended donation will be included. The letter to businesses will be modified and mailed immediately. The letter to parents will be mailed after our tax exempt mailing status is renewed.

Marlene Blom suggested that we complete a "guest book" at our events for the purpose of getting contact information for people attending our events. The quality of our current mailing list will be tested.

There was a motion to adopt the web domain. Friendsofaci.com was selected as the domain name. Judy Massey will arrange to purchase this name. Ideas for the web page were discussed which included, chat, announcements, calendar, minutes of meetings, newsletter, links to Ability Counts, Inc. page. Roger will be responsible for developing the web page.

Al Schwerdt suggested that "Friends" might consider participating in the development of an "after hours" club at the Atlanta Bldg.

Ideas for this included big screen TV, tall tables to encourage mingling, Vito on guitar, Karaoke, pop corn, and silk trees with lights. Someone will contact Mr. Valdez for some silk ornamental plants.

Somny Nelson suggested that we consider an event, which would encourage attendance of all consumers served.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be November 19, 3:30 PM.

Attendance Debra Newton, President, Somny Nelson, Judy Massey, Al Schwerdt, Sherry Hudelson, Al Schwerdt, Vito Simoneschi, Marlene Blom, Mo Gaji, Roger Cox, Brandy Robinson, Dianne Razo.

President Debra Newton called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.

Mo Gaji provided financial report and responded to questions about how the money raised at the golf tournament was spent. See statement attached.

Debra Newton proposed that Friends sponsor a craft fair in our multipurpose room. February 7 was set for the event. Debra will inform interested crafters. Each table will rent for $20.00 and two tables for $30.00. Friends must insure a good turn out to make success. Friends can provide refreshments.

The Holiday Ball planning is well underway. Dianne Razo volunteered to help with decoration on Saturday. She has columns she is willing to donate for the photo shoot area. The committee wants to look at her columns. We are still looking for flowers. The committee will find suitable cardboard frames for the photos. Judy distributed the official glitter adorned flyer. These will be distributed at both buildings.

Judy announced that Friends now has a PO Box. The number is 52508 Riverside 92517.

We need a representative from Friends at Bingo Tuesdays and Fridays. Dianne Razo will share Tuesday night with Roger. Sherry will take Friday nights. Friends can assist in taking names for a Bingo prize for attendance. At the same time sell our various wares.

Roger delivered Entertainment books. The books will sell for $20.00 each. Six books were sold and mysteriously $140.00 was placed in the treasury. The books will be stored in Kathy's office at Atlanta. The Corona books will be kept safe with Julie.

Web page friendsofaci.com is operational. Jeff has posted information about the Holiday Ball as well as the membership application form and our various letters.

There is considerable excitement about "After Hours" as in club for consumers after the workday. Ability Counts, Inc. will provide the funds to create these festive environments. Friends will provide the supplies. Keith was volunteered by Sherry as a good contact to develop "After Hours" at the Corona Building.

Al supplied a catalog with mood lighting for the Holiday Ball. The committee will review this expenditure.

The letters drafted previously were not mailed. Mo will try to renew the tax-exempt permit. We will mail to the families first and will develop a strategy with which to approach businesses.

The meeting was adjourned. Next meeting will be December 10.

Web Page

Items needed for the web page include:

1. Current newsletter

2. Digital photos of board members

3. Executive Director's Message

4. President's Message

5. Volunteer opportunities

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Meeting Schedule

8. Mission Statement

9. Photos from the Christmas party

Judy will provide photos. We will ask Jeff to provide a sample of a slide show to determine if we want that on our web page.

Craft Fair, February 7

Flyer will be developed

Tasks:

1. Telemarket to parents and homes

2. Inform all bingo attendees

3. Advertise with media: Roger

4. Set up enclave: will need a map for tables and chairs

5. Boutique for consumer, hang clothes donated to us

6. Sell food: Jasmine

7. We start at 7:00 AM. Open to the public at 8:00 to 2:00

8. Set up after bingo, clean up between 6 and 7 AM

9. Inform all staff, ask them to inform 5 people each

10. Sherry and Roger will set up the Boutique

11. Use local cable

12. Call it "Friends Craft Fair"

Valentine Party, February 14

Hector will cater

Claudette will do decorations

Admission $15.00

Enclave will set up and clean up after Bingo

Various details were discussed regarding the event. Volunteers will be needed for the following jobs:

1. Entry and front door: 2 people

2. Photographer: 1 person

3. Photo helper: 1 person

4. Runner to take disks to printer operator: 1 person

5. Printer operator: 1 person

6. Picture cutter/assembler: 1 person

7. Food: 4 people

8. Bar: 2 people

9. Dance floor supervision: 1 person

10. Backup: 6 people

Sherry will be asked to help with lighting. Dianne Razo will be asked to do the bar.

Accounting

We will have approximately $2000,00 in the bank after all deposits are made.

Other Business

1. Fun Festival tentative schedule for May

2. After Hours Clubs work in progress: Vito, Al, & Jimmy at the Atlanta bldg. and Keith, Jimmy, Diane, & Julie at the Corona bldg.

3. Get potential membership from emergency files

4. Get labels for flyer from Al out of Q&A

5. Handwrite addresses

6. Bundle for handling

7. Mo will get non profit permit

In Attendance

Marlene Blom, Al Schwerdt, Roger Cox, Mo Gaji, Debbie Newton, Judy Massey, Somney Nelson, Vito Simoneschi, Michael Turner, Diane Razo.

The meeting was called to order at 4 p.m.

Old Business

February 7th's Craft Faire was a success. The attending businesses who purchased tables was up to an impressive 99% turn out. The guest turn out was not as successful, and the result of the slow day might have been in advertising the affair.

Ideas for promoting the event were running the ads in the business section of the Press Enterprise on the day of the Faire, placing signs at freeway off-ramps, and on corners near the Atlanta sight, and so forth. All in all, it was a new experience and it was profitable for Ability Counts, Inc.

Many thanks to all that took part to set this beautiful event in motion!

New Business

For the Sweetheart Ball, Diane brought the centerpieces to the table for approval, and we were all pleased. Michael will be in charge of photographs included in the dance package, while Judy will photograph the dance throughout the evening.

Other Business

More regarding the Valentines event included:

1. Emergency forms for non-ACI guests

2. Ticket receipts

3. More decorations

4. Job Coaches and crews to work the event

5. FRM workers to work the event

The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.

Next meeting is to be held on 2/25/04.