Every Drop Counts

Bethlehem Foundation Annual Report for the year ending 30th June 2010

As I look through my Monthly Reports for the past year it seems that only two words are needed to report on the year – thank you! Thank you to God for His continuing blessing. Thank you to the hundreds of folk who have inspired, challenged, and contributed to the outcomes which you have all made possible. Thank you; thank you; thank you.

Several projects have been brought to completion:

The Environmental Reserve – thanks to Environment Bay of Plenty Sharon Gauld and her team of enthusiastic students, Don Ackland and his merry men.

The initial fit-out of the Performing Arts Centre – thanks to the many folks who have and continue to purchase seats, and to the Trusts that contribute financial sums. A particular thank you to Brad Gillon, last year’s Deputy Head Boy, who since leaving has raised the funds for the purchase of high quality microphones and headsets for use in the auditorium.

Twenty-five scholarships for the 2010 year were contributed by a wide range of individuals and companies, meeting some very special needs as typified in a letter from one recipient’s parents. “We stand amazed at the provision to meet our family’s time of need in this way”.

Equipment and other support has been provided for Early Childhood, BC Sports, the BC 2010 Speech Contest, the BOP English Language School and BC Music – again donated by a range of trusts, companies and individuals.

We have been truly blessed.

Other work has been commenced:

The Foundation Sports Project was successfully launched and is well underway, with great help from so many, and contributions steadily being received. Much planning has been undertaken and as we write these words the initial physical work is underway. Design of the Rugby Clubrooms has been signed off and groundwork for construction is commencing; and the contract has been approved to strip out the orchards to prepare for the development of the much enlarged sports fields. Funds have also allocated for the provision of additional coaching and development support to basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rugby and volleyball. Again thank you to those whose contributions made this possible.

We have further developed the effectiveness of our website and electronic communications with our donors and at year-end are in the midst of a further material stride in this area. We are particularly grateful for the level of support, far beyond that contracted, which is provided by Logis.

We have been privileged to participate in the launch of Chapman College, Rotorua by providing advice and guidance on funding and promotions aspects of the new school.

Many other things, again enabled by your support, continued:

The generous provision by so many of over $280,000 in financial support of the work which the Foundation is privileged to undertake on your behalf.

The above market level of return on investment which we have received thanks to the donated advice and guidance of Craigs Investment Partners.

The future income committed in legacies advised during the year.

The legal advice and assistance donated by Harris Tate, particularly in the obtaining of regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank.

The enormous and most generous support of the Bay of Plenty Times and Sebel Trinity Wharf hotel throughout the year, and in particular for the launch of the Foundation Sports Project and the Fifth Annual Photo Auction. We had great satisfaction from the donation which your support made possible from this latter event to IDEA, the family and whanau support arm of IHC.

The joy we have received from seeing the growth in the roll and standards at Waipa Christian School, Te Awamutu where we provide governance, strategic and business advice.

I cannot let the year go by without:

• a thank you to my colleagues at Bethlehem for their encouragement, interest and support;
• a welcome to our new Foundation trustee, Andrew Knowles;
• thanks to retiring Trustee Turi Ngatai and retiring chair, Kevin Wearne, who saw us through our formative years and continues to serve as a trustee;
• thanks to all our Trustees for their guidance and counsel; and a welcome and thanks to our new Chair for her ever-ready support and advice.

Your support and generosity have enabled so much to be done. Thank you. Thank You. Thank You.

Peter O. Wyatt, MNZM
Chief Executive Officer                                                                                                1st July 2010

I was privileged to become Chair of the Bethlehem Foundation in February this year. As a board we have had a very blessed and productive 12 months. We have had a great amount of support from the local community with our Foundation Sports Project initiative, including the launch, as well as our annual Photo Auction. These were all very professionally organised by our ever efficient CEO, for whom I would like to thank for his incredible efforts. In a difficult economic environment we have achieved very pleasing results, and are very grateful for the continuing generosity of the Foundation’s supporters. May God continue to bless the next period of development at Bethlehem College, as he has done previously.

Helen Gregory
Chair                                                                                                                            1st July 2010