This is a Press Release sent to GoBurley on Nov. 6, 2009 by a member of the AYAFF.
The American Youth Activities Facilities Foundation, or AYAFF as it may hereafter be known, announces the acquisition of 30 acres of property in Minidoka County along Interstate 84 near the 208 Exit. The purpose of this acquisition will be primarily for an aquatic and recreation center, with other activity facilities to follow soon after.
This is an endeavor that has long been anticipated and hoped for, and with the right steps, can be achieved. Building the facilities will only be the beginning. It will take a concerted, sustained and united effort to operate and maintain such venues. We are not looking to inflict a long term financial burden on any entity. In fact, look for a new ‘Cost Plus 20’ policy that we hope to implement. We will be talking with the Boys and Girls Club of America, the YMCA and other organizations that specialize in efficient operation of such facilities and who come highly recommended by others. We do not have the luxury of being a resort town like Jackson Hole or Sun Valley, nor do we have oil and natural gas pouring into our counties’ coffers. We call upon the recreation districts in the area to do their best in stepping up to help meet this need. Minidoka has recently talked of forming a rec. district, and we encourage them to not only do so, but to make it all inclusive. For the 3, 4 or 5 dollars per household per month that it costs, we will do our best to make that a great deal for every household in this 2 ½ county area. For those who are not part of our local participating rec. districts, we will do our best to encourage them to want to become so affiliated.
If you ask anyone who has lived here for any amount of time, what this area is in need of, the unanimous consensus is, the need for activities for our youth to be gainfully engaged in. This foundation has been carefully thought about over the last couple of years, designed with every ‘I’ dotted and ‘t’ crossed, and created to meet this need that is not unique to this area. What is extremely rare, for the residents here, is the opportunity to give to a national 501 (c) (3), tax deductible organization and have virtually all of their donation go to the effort at hand. AYAFF has NO PAID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. In the future and only after this foundation has proven its capabilities, a paid director may be required. For now the leadership, the CPA, the legal advice and the board are all unpaid.
Some argue that this is a lot of money we are talking about here, “millions and millions of dollars”. And they are correct, there is land to finish purchasing, a Phase I Environmental Assessment (completed) to pay for, a feasibility study to perform and engineering & architectural design to study before we ever have a ground breaking. But this I know and experience has proven, if we will all do a little, if those who have been abundantly blessed are able and willing to help to whatever degree they reasonably can, if myself and others who already have connections and/or are able to connect the dots and find large donors, advertisers, foundations, grants, etc., this project will be the beginning of something great for this entire community that we can all point to as a huge success. All area service groups are being invited to organize fund raisers. All local governmental entities, (seven high schools in two plus school districts, the cities and counties affected) will be invited to support to the extent that they can. We will provide friendly competitive fund raising contests and challenges, and we will find ways to inspire matching donations.
The American Youth Activities Facilities Foundation is simply acting as facilitator. It’s leadership is providing the vision for what we feel is one of the best tax deductible giving opportunities in the country, second only to your religious contributions. Yes, it can be said that we have it in perspective.
A 501 (c)(3) corporation is a public trust. I was reminded of this when speaking to a lady who specializes in this ‘business’. I referred to AYAFF with a certain degree of ownership. She anxiously reminded me that a foundation of this type is the public’s and that I was simply entrusted to oversee or manage it. I and the rest of the AYAFF leadership understand this well. While it is in its infancy, we implore everyone to take advantage of what it is, simply, where your entire gift goes to the project. With the use of a website, there will always be transparency, even the anonymous can see their gift and how it helped, while still remaining anonymous.
Having said sufficient for now, know that more details will be made available soon, more will be heard on the radio and read about in the paper(s). Tell your friends of the good news, talk about it with extended family, let those who grew up here, have gone away and become successful, learn of coming great reasons to come home with their families to visit. You never know who they have met while out carving their nitch in the world. Yes, economic times are trying, but there is a tremendous amount of money out there looking for a good home. We have been counseled to be optimistic, and indeed, we are.
Thank you for your time and support.
-AYAFF SPOKESMAN-
