BOARD MEETING MINUTES
2026 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 05, 2026 Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President
2025 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 01, 2025 Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President IN ATTENDANCE / Roll Call: Cherrica Dredden, Victor Gonzalez, Nyree Clater, Emerald Alspach, Diana James ABSENT: Stephanie Villalobos President: Open floor to treasurer to discuss items as needed. Treasurer: November financial report showing the administrative account ending at $1,053.18 and the fundraising account at $5,750.69, with total cash on hand of $6,803.87, and provides a detailed reconciliation of the prayer brunch event that raised $3,339.65. Treasurer to send updated financial reports with corrected Square transaction numbers to board members Treasurer to send invoices to members with new dues increase and payment frequency options2,3, or 4 Tresurer and President provides a detailed reconciliation of the prayer brunch event that raised $3,339.65 in actual proceeds despite requiring significant volunteer effort from Lion Marsha who donated $2,166.70 in-kind services. Other items found in treasurer’s report. Open Discussion: The board approves Victor's motion to increase membership dues by $2 per month per member, changing family dues from $4 to $6 monthly and active member dues from $8 to $10 monthly, with the treasurer agreeing to notify members and offer flexible payment schedules. Victor presents Resolution 000003 for adopting the new name "San Antonio Autism Lions Foundation" which the board approves, and he outlines the complex process needed to separate the club and foundation into distinct legal entities with separate bank accounts and tax filings. Motion to adopt resolution 00003 approved, 2nd by President and agreed by board with no objections Motion to File 2nd by President and approved by board with no objections The President has also completed all by law requirements The board also discusses filling vacant positions including secretary, VP of fundraising, and grant writer roles. Discussion of having Hannah as tie breaker on board votes. Awaiting response Membership Director The board discusses the upcoming December 13th Christmas family engagement event that has reached capacity with 100 registered attendees, with Emerald reporting on planning progress including simple decorations and take-home craft activities within the $500 budget, while Victor offers to handle purchasing to streamline reimbursements. The board also discusses filling vacant positions including secretary, VP of fundraising, and grant writer roles. Secretary Nyree announces the passing of District President Floyd Legall with memorial services on December 14th, and Victor creates a donation QR code for the family's requested memorial contributions. Also discussed reviewing other communication to reach out and engage with members
September 09, 2025 Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President IN ATTENDANCE / Roll Call: Cherrica Dredden, Stephanie Villalobos, Victor Gonzalez, Nyree Clater, Emerald Alspach, Diana James ABSENT: None President: Informed that we have received our 501c-3 confirmation. Treasurer After discussing with legal and LCI, SAALC has been informed that to be affiliated with LCI, the club cannot hold a 501c-3 status but is allowed to operate as a 501c-4. As a 501c-4 the club will not be allowed to write off or gift donation receipts to donors for tax purposes. In attempting to remove affiliation, LCI stated this was not allow, but to create a 501c-3 foundation to affiliate with the SAALC. There would have to be a separation of bank accounts and also a different set of by- laws would be needed. It has been pointed out that the board will now be over both the foundation and the club. There were additional forms filled out to adjust and still comply with LCI standards. THE SAN ANTONIO AUTISM LIONS CLUB P.O. Box 680462 San Antonio, Texas 78268 Chartered Chapter – Lion Club International Page 2 of 2 BOARD Discussion to make sure that donors, grants, and sponsors will definitely desire tax write-off receipts. The President spoke on not wanting to disconnect from LCI. Understanding that we were misinformed, there is great benefit in remaining attached. Agreed that we will surely create the foundation for the 501 (c) (3), then begin the process of the 501 (c) (4) for SAALC. Discussed that as just a foundation, LCI would not be able to collect dues to support the national and international cause. We will have to split up how we manage as a club and how we manage the foundation. The IRS will not allow funds raised on the charity side to fund the club. Funds will have to be raised on the club side to fund the charity. The transfers will be seen as the club will be giving grants to the foundation. Concerns were discussed about our larger donors from the current year. We also cannot apply for separate grants under the 501 (c) (4). Question what are the steps set up the foundation? The president makes the motion to keep the 501c-3 and now create the 501c-4. Motion to approve and all in agreement with no objections. The options of the Foundation name as to whether to include the city name of San Antonio within the name. First name consideration: ALF (Autism Lion’s Foundation) Motion to officially change the name immediately.
June 09, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm CST – Called to order 6:05 pm Adjourned: 6:47 pm CST Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President President: -Contacted Jamie’s Ranch about partnering with them to host a community autism event and membership drive - Gained new partnerships with Emler Swim School and Aqua Tots - Meeting with Chelsea from Any Baby Can Southwest on June 24 th - A motion was made and approved to hold board meetings every other month, as monthly club meetings will continue to take place. - Asked if all board members completed the officer training. This training must be completed to be eligible for any lions club international aware. All have completed except Diana. She will let Cherrica know if she has issues accessing the training. -Asked for an updated on website content assignments. Was asked to re-email the assignments to everyone Membership: - Working on reaching out to companies about the member discount program - No additional information provided about membership drive opportunities Fundraising: - No upcoming fundraisers scheduled - Diana’s suggested the gaming fundraiser for September, but Cherrica said maybe October or November would be better. Diana agreed and said she would even be ok with pushing it out to next year - Cherrica shared information on fundraisers with Bahama Bucks and Raisin Canes. - Want to stay away from fundraisers that result in very little profit. - Discussed the Walk the Runway for Autism fundraiser o Cherrica is working with the GM at Tapatio Springs Resort o Need to work on getting sponsors to offset cost of food, etc. Treasurer - Reviewed report - Less than $100 in Marketing budget - Currently building budget and will begin to include budget items in the reports New Business Items - Welcomed our new Program Coordinator – Hannah Childers - Informed of the new open volunteer positions (Treasure Aide, VP of Fundraising) and reviewed other open volunteer positions (Volunteer Coordinator, Finance Committee (2), Membership Committee (2)
May 05, 2025 4.Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting NYREE CLATER 5.Secretary Report NYREE CLATER -Need to order new member induction packets. I tried but I was unsuccessful. 6.Treasurer Report VICTOR GONZALEZ -Would Zeffy be a better option for us to use than Square? -Request for approval for organization to cover half the cost of the 65 inch tv for Fingertip to Fingertip drawing 7.Membership Director Report EMERALD ALSPACH -Print out membership cards and laminate them -Where are we on discount cards? -Any meetings scheduled with membership committee? -Growth Workshops hosted by LCI 8.VP of Fundraising Report STEPHANIE VILLALOBOS •Ongoing Shirt Fundraiser o$21.05 earnings for April…deposited on May 14th •April Fingertip to Fingertip Giving Campaign •We Rock The Spectrum oJuly event… •Volleyball Tournament…update •Popcorn sales •Run/Walk…2026 oOther local LC have organized walk events and had success •Popcorn Sales •Bingo Halls 9.Discuss Pending Items •National Water Safety Month: May oAqua Tots donating 15 swim vouchers oElmers donated 160 swim vouchers, 2 free swim parties, and doing an in person water safety presentation on May 31st for the autism community •TX Lions Camp / Sponsorship Bags oSponsored about 20 families so far oRegistration is currently still open, but there is a waitlist •School Photos - $400 oMay 10th from 9a-1p oNeed to create a flyer oNeed to create a signup genius for families to register oMake clear that this is not a family photoshoot??? oPauline Davidson is donating $50 and Cherrica Dredden is donating $50 •Website oReview assigned sections oAgree on a deadline 10.Discuss New Business •Marketing purposes: otable cover cost – about $100 on Amazon oneed more information brochures opedestal poster sign for donation QR CODE: $35.99…AMAZON ocompany shirts for events •Back to School Bash oEnd of July or beginning of August oSchool supplies, etc oCould also be a fundraiser •Grants/Donations oSpark – October deadline oGrant website subscriptions? •Sponsors/Donors oHEB (Culebra and 1604 agreed to partner with us) oWe Rock the Spectrum – Universal City oCalled the Walmarts..all said come at the beginning of the month for donation requests •Lions Club Int’l Meetings oInternational Convention: July 13-17 – Orlando o2026 International Convention: July 3-7 – Hong Kong •Autism Advocacy oTX Autism Conference sponsored by the Texas Education Agency and the Autism Supports Grant: June 19-20..$125 in person or $95 virtual. Free family/caregiver session on June 21st 11.Confirm Next Meeting Time •June 2, 2025 @ 6pm 12.Adjourn Meeting
April 07, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm CST – Called to order at 6:04 pm CST Adjourned: 7:18 pm CST Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President President The guest was interviewed by the respective members of the SAALC Board as a candidate for the open VP position. The interview ended, and the candidate was released at 6:21 p.m. **Additional candidate interviewed on 04/12/2025. After consideration, voting concluded to go with first candidate for VP position. ** Motion to approve the candidate by Lion Victor, approved by President Lion Cherrica, second motion by Lion Stephanie. Agreement across board with no objections. Review of previous board minutes, with an amendment to attendance. Motion to approve by Lion Stephanie, second motion by President Lion Cherrica. All others in favor with no objections. Treasurer Treasury report reviewed. Motion to file approved by the Board. Discussion of service fee increase to go from 3.5% to 4.5%. Motion to approve by President Lion Cherrica, Second motion by Lion Stephanie. Approval across board with no objections. Discussion of running paid ad on Facebook to increase exposure of the Fingertip-to- Fingertip Fundraiser and increase membership and followers to Facebook page. Other Items of Discussion Send texts to members as a reminder of the SAALC merchandise availability. Possible Script text send out to support the Fingertip-to-Fingertip fundraiser: created by Lion Victor Volleyball Tournament pending, awaiting response from vendor for location and a clear date. SAALC has sponsored 20 families for the Lions Camp. Will supply each child with a backpack full of supplies. SAALC Spring School Photoshoot will be on May 10, 2025. The secretary will create a sign-up sheet and send it out to members. 5-minute sessions from 9 am to 1 pm. A sign-up sheet to be created on Sign up Genius website. A reminder to go out to all who sign up the week before. SAALC Website: Still in progress as the timeline is being worked out. LCI Convention will be in July 2025. Takeaway from Autism Advocacy Day gathering: An enjoyable experience. Discussions of camera recording are needed in classrooms. Changes on how special needs programs are funded. It should be based on specific needs, not set to a broad spectrum. Also needed help with special needs within the school General Education.
March 03, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm CST – Called to order at 6:05 pm CST Adjourned: 7:16 pm CST Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President President The guest was interviewed as a candidate for the open VP position by the respective members of the SAALC Board. The interview ended, and the candidate was released from the interview at 6:18 pm. Treasurer Open discussion to review SAALC bylaws. The adjustments were made as needed to update the bylaws following the needs of SAALC. Motion to approve the finalization of by laws by the President, seconded by 2 nd Vice President and unanimously carried without disapproval. Treasury report reviewed. Motion to file approved by the Board. Motion for application for additional checking account added to minutes. Approved by the President and carried by the Board. Secretary THE SAN ANTONIO AUTISM LIONS CLUB P.O. Box 680462 San Antonio, Texas 78268 Chartered Chapter – Lion Club International Secretary to send the voting poll to members to finalize what day of the week would be fitting for SAALC member meetings.
February 03, 2025 Time: 6:00pm CST – Called to order at 6:04pm CST Adjourned: 7:01pm CST Facilitator: Cherrica Dredden, President Secretary: review over the previous board minutes Motion was made by Chanell to accept and approve the previous minutes as edited, Stephanie second the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. Treasurer: Victor reviewed over the monthly financials for the month of January and reviewed over the prepared tax filing for fiscal year 2024. Motion was made by Victor to file the January 2025 Treasurer's report, Cherrica second the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. The motion was made by Cherrica to authorize the Treasurer Victor to file 2024 taxes with the IRS, Stephanie second the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. Membership Director: Emerald informed the board that currently no new members have been added. We still do have two pending members just waiting for the paperwork and fees to be paid. She is still working to edit and provide a new member orientation presentation. Vice-President Fundraising: Stephanie and Cherrica presented the current fundraising schedule. The ongoing fundraiser is the SAALC merchandise has once received one order currently. Cherrica asked the board to like and share it on their social media to improve ordering. Payments are scheduled for the 15th of each month. Chick Fa-Lay off Bandera rd. has approved us to fundraiser on February 18th, 2025. We are not allowed to do any on-sit promoting the day of otherwise the fundraiser will be voided. The breakdown is as follows: 1-74 transaction will be 10% of the sales; 75-124 transactions will be at 15% of sales; 125+ transactions will cap at 125 at 20% of sales be donated to the organization. We will work to ensure we push it out to all Lions club in the community, and online any partnerships we currently have. March: Movie Theater: Santikos and Regal theaters have declined. Victor recommended to reach out to the Santikos Foundation who support the San Antonio community directly. April: Pledge Night: Goal 500 pledges at a minimum of $12 or more. It is being titled “Fingertip to Fingertip”. Victor will work on a QR Code and options to establish automatic monthly donation capability with Square. Also, it was recommended to get the contact info and database establish for mass emails to be sent out. May: none at this time but decided to move the volleyball tournament to this month. Stephanie will look at dates and time to set this event. June: no current fundraiser currently PENDING BUSINESS: Programing: Family Night: still being developed and awaiting on event space. It was recommended that if Victor could reach out to the UTSA IDD/Autism support group on campus to better determine their needs and resources. March: National Chocking Awareness: we did not hear back from LifeVac on donating the anti-choking devices. It was recommended to look at providing a CPR class and given lesion by the Fire Department. May: National Water Awareness: this would be a safe month. Create a small bag with water safety information and a small essential and if possible, a donated swim class by a community partner. June: Texas Lions Camp: The organization is currently sponsoring 14 families to attend. We are looking to provide backpacks with small essentials and snacks for the camp. School Phots: this would be set for April/May time frame, with a time block and up to a number of signup slots. The cost is currently being estimated at around $400.00. Victor ask to received an invoice that would include fair market value of the photo session along with the discount so we can issue a “In-kind Donation”. NEW BUSINESS: Website Update: We are getting a free website being donated by Paul. He is asking for the board to ensure we develop and provide all the necessary content to put the website together. Officers will work on what they need on the website and provide it to Cherrica who is compiling all the content needed. Grant Writer: we have a new grant writer: Jayme who has met with Cherrica and will meet with Victor tomorrow. District Conference: the next district conference will be April 24th and 26th, cost is estimated at ruffly $30-$40 per person. Tabled Supplies: Victor offered a donation of $200 for this purpose, Staphanie will match with $200, and Cherrica will donate $50. For a budget of $450 to go to getting the necessary supplies needed for this purpose. NOTE: Chanell William lost connection at 6:52 pm – Quorum Maintained PO BOX: We need a po box for all our official mail and address for the organization. The motion was made by Victor to approve a 1-year purchase of po box with USPS of $188.00, Stephanie second the motion, motion passed unanimously. NEXT MEETING: Board Meeting: March 3rd, 2025, at 6pm via Zoom Club Membership Meeting: February 24th, 2025, at 6pm via Zoom Motion to adjourn was made by Cherrica seconded by Victor at 7:01pm and was passed unanimously.
January 06, 2025 -The president expresses gratitude for all in attendance. -The secretary takes attendance. -Motion to approve previous board meeting notes. - From Secretary: o Future notes and event updates will be sent to board members Google calendar and shared documents on Google Drive and Google sheets. o Updated Google Sheets with new members. -From Treasurer/President notes o Cash app is now shit down from SAALC, will now make payments through Square. o Square link is attached to members’ invoices that were emailed. o Several members have opted to pay monthly o Request for the secretary to send members meeting minutes for the year 2024. o SAALC is required to have 2 bank accounts: 1 for admin (example: membership dues) 1 account for fundraising revenue/expenses. Motion approved to open an additional bank account. -Discussion of $300 expense to retrieve 501c-3 status. - Motion approved. - From Membership Coordinator o Will start sending board members “About Me” profiles to the members. o Currently working on SAALC handouts, stickers, and cloth banner for upcoming events. o Discussed participating in the Northside Resource Fair o In progress of also securing a spot at the ARC Resource Fair o Discussed also participating in Alamo Helping Hands Resource Fair. o Member Orientation via PowerPoint is in progress. The president has volunteered to assist by providing information videos to add to the presentation. Fundraising: -Discussed ideas for fundraising ideas Discussed the restaurant fundraiser: Agreed that Chic-fila would be a great choice. -Discussed looking into more than one location, also wanting the fundraiser to run all on the same night from multiple locations. -Discussed having a fundraiser night with Chicken and Pickle. Stephanie has already submitted the request to the restaurant. -Discussed having a volleyball game fundraiser. Being able to supply shirts or create a gift basket. We can sell items but not food. -Stephanie will check with Sideliners to see if they will donate the usage of the courts. From the President - Discussed updated information for SAALC merchandise, Prices and profits. o Shirts: Price 25.00 – Profit 15.59 o Discussed keeping larger sizes at flat price o Hoodie: Price 46.00 – Profit 18.46 o Discussed and questioned the price of the kid hoodies. Originally were 49.00 but agreed to keep it at the same price as the adult hoodie. o Agreed also to apply a possible 10% discount to hoodies. o Discussed also raffling hoodies at events along with other merchandise. o Mugs: Price 13.00 – Profit 5.61 o Notebook: Price 14.00 – Profit 5.91 o Kid shirts: Price 15.00 – Profit 6.45 o Blanket: Price 22.00 – Profit 9.50 o Tote Bag: Price 16.00 – Profit 7.20 Once price updates to the merchandise are adjusted, availability will be made known via Facebook. -Club is currently also looking more into Autism Sibling Support Groups with Twinkle Pediatrics. The group will be available for children to young adults. - Update on Anti-Choking Awareness collaboration: as of 1/6/25 there has been no word back from the company to provide preventive choking devices. - Update on Texas Lions Summer Camp: Club has successfully submitted 12 family sponsorship applications. - School Photos for autistic children not in school is successfully set. The President will continue communication with the photographer to set up timeframes and dates. - Expectancy: Price of the total photoshoot: $400.00. 2 poses max per child. -Suggestions are given on creating a QR code for donations at the time of the photoshoots to offset club expenses. - Will also provide props to assist with photos and time slots. - Discussed giving out volunteer certificates to members who participate in upcoming events. - Board members also agreed to receive 10 hours monthly for board volunteer time. - Recognized the month of May as National Drowning Awareness Month. -Discussed a raffle for free swimming lessons. Will also reach out to local swimming schools to sponsor the raffle. - Discussed interested parties who would like to attend Autism Advocacy Day, March 31, 2025. Visit https://www.texasautismsociety.org/ to register. - Reminder that Kinetic Kids Winter Registration opens January 3, 2025 Meeting adjourned at 7:08pm
2024 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 02, 2024 *President thanked all for joining the meeting and also verified the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. *Treasurer discussed all information included in the report sent to all board members, corrections included All November dues are paid, December dues are still in progress and members have been notified. *The payment error on Cash App has been corrected. *LCI invoices received for January. *Motion to approve the report. *Membership Coordinator New member is concerned of participation. The club has offered to assist with membership to help members while settling other affairs Reminder to send “About me” to Member coordinator. *Reminder to register for Charter Party. Only three registered at the time. Also, discussion on pushing information for Charter out to the community *Attire is business casual for the event. Pause on shirt purchase until further notice. *All silent Auction items are in progress. Sensory basket is discussed and agreed to be added to the auction. *Email forwarded to Treasurer from Alamo T in reference to club shirts in the future. Seeking Pricing. Also discuss other options for member to be able to purchase shirts to possibly be shipped to member. *Discussed pricing of possible shirts to make affordable for members. *Discussion on creating autistic sibling support group. items of discussion: *Pricing to attend, possible insurance payment, Option of support group being in person or virtual.
November 04, 2024 BOARD -Discussed the possibility of in person meeting, but noting was finalized - Discussed portal access for club members - Natasha Rhodes expressed interest in Membership Committee and Shelly Rasmussen expressed interest in the Social Media Coordinator. The VP and President have reached out to Natasha and are still awaiting response. President reached out to Shelly as well -Discussed website pricing. President’s contact said he was too busy to complete a website at the moment, VPs contact quoted $3,000, and the Treasurers contact quoted $1500. For now, the focus will be on utilizing the social media platform to share information and obtain donations - The Charter party is on December 14 th . Our sponsor club will donate the building, decorate, and provide the food. Party is being held at the Burleson center owed by Edgewood ISD. Ticket prices will be $15 and will go towards reimbursing Edgewood for the food. The President will check to see if it will be a cheaper price for children. There will be no door prizes. - Silent Auction Items: Lottery ticket basket: starting bid $50 with $25 increments; bath and body: starting bid at $30 with $10 increments; mary k basket: starting bid at $45 with $15 increments; antique camera: starting bid at $75 with $25 increments; wine basket: starting bid at $30 with $10 increments - The District Governor will officially induct the club officers and club members. Everyone will receive a pin and certificate. Business casual dress code for the event and board members will wear a button down shirt with logo. - Alamo Tees is a possible shirt vendor, but nothing has been finalized. - Currently have 22 active members - Will discuss in the future paying the monthly dues of active members - Reminder emails need to be sent out for the November 18 th member - Plan on becoming a 501c as soon as possible POSITION NOTES - Treasurer Notes o Will create updates prior to meeting o Monthly dues are $8 o Reports will only include transaction that have posted to the account o Annual membership is $96 o Reminders of monthly dues will be sent out the 1 st and 15 th of each month o $35 registration fee applies to all new members - Membership Director Notes o No new members o Discussed creating a membership information brochure and business cards o Printing out member IDs o Will create instructions on how to access new membership orientation o Will prepare a get to know Board Member packet o Every board member should create an about me page o Wants to focus on exposure tactics for the club, participate in fundraiser activities, collaborate with other organizations, have events at least once a quarter, all donations processed through the treasurer NEXT MEETING 12/2/24, via zoom Motion to adjourn was made at 7:10pm and was passed unanimously.
October 14, 2024 Items: Meeting times and locations - Agreement that board meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month at 6:00 pm. - The first member meeting will be held on November 18, 2024, via Zoom at 6:00 pm. Items: Board responsibilities - The president will hold individual meetings with the Board to go job duties per the Lions club manual. - Instructions are given to log into LC Portal and complete Club Officer training Items: Additional positions and additional information - Looking to add 2 additional people to the Fundraising Committee - Looking to add 2 additional people to the Membership Committee - Possible Volunteer Coordinator soon. - Possible Grant Writer soon. - Board position to be held for at least 2 years - If resigning, please notify the president with a 30-day notice. Items: Club Website - Ideas for creating a group website - Retrieve quotes for website designers - Information that will be on the site: tabs, resources, and other information Items: Charter Party - Introduction as a club to the other clubs. - Event date: December 14, 2024 - Place: TBD - Find a place to Host the event. - Find catering for the event - Tickets to attend the event? - Create door prizes - Silent Auction Ideas o Bath and Bodyworks set o Mary Kary gift set o Wine Basket o TBD - Sponsor Club may provide/ assist with catering - Ideas for decorations once the hosting place is secure - Attire suggestions for board members - Expected number of attendees - Ideas to place portraits of children as part of décor - Donation letters for sponsorship Items: Club Tax ID - Applying fee: $275.00