June 27, 2011
Dear Friends of the Woodwreath Cemetery,
The Board of Trustees of the Woodwreath Cemetery Association (WWCA) is requesting donations to fund the expenses of ongoing maintenance and repairs. Over the past several years, the WWCA has been able to meet all maintenance and repair expenditures from interest earned on its investments and net plot sale revenues. Due to the ongoing historically low interest rate environment, we are no longer able to do so. In order to help alleviate this shortfall, we have recently acted to increase the cost of a burial plot from $400 to $500 effective July 1, 2011.
Over the past three fiscal years, our total expenses have averaged $13,330. Our routine expenditures include lawn mowing, monument repairs, tree removal, fence repairs, flags, insurance, and administrative. The annual expense for lawn mowing alone is $7,800. In addition to these, the driveways are rocked and oiled every four-to-five years. This was last done in 2008 at a cost of $5,400. With the current price of oil, this cost is only expected to increase. Presently, one section of the wrought iron fence is also in need of repair.
Plot sales have averaged $5,000 over the past three years. By law, fifteen percent (15%) of the plot sales is placed into the Trust Care Fund. Trust Care Funds cannot be spent. However, the income earned from the Trust Care Funds is used to defray the aforementioned operating expenses.
We are not publicly tax supported or subsidized in any manner. Our only sources of revenue are interest income, 85% of burial plot sales, and donations. We anticipate interest income to be approximately $6,592 for this fiscal year. This number is anticipated to continue downward until interest rates cycle back up.
The Board of Trustees works very hard to invest our funds prudently and to spend the income wisely. We are making this appeal knowing that you have strong feelings for the well being and upkeep of the cemetery. The WWCA is a 501(c)(13) Not-For-Profit Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Donations or inquiries may be mailed to us at the above noted address.
We thank you and appreciate your support of the Woodwreath Cemetery.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Hitt, President