There's only a month left in my term of office. You can't see me grinning, but I am! It will be a relief to be not the President anymore. To the officers and project leaders who supported me throughout 2009, I give you my personal "Thank You." You officers and projects leaders should be proud of our accomplishments:

• Raised enough funds to kick-off the much-needed future expansion of our Filipino Cultural Center.


• Raised enough funds for our operational and cultural expenses (we did not have to dip into prior years' funds).


• Kept the senior members of our community involved and engaged through outings and projects such as the Parents' Night and Calendar.


• Reached out to the nursing and medical professional members of our community through collaborative activities such as the Health Fair.


• Kept our financial books unquestionably clean and monitored our compliance to our nonprofit status.


• Reviewed our Bylaws with the intent of strengthening our 501(c)3 compliance and making us more attractive to potential donors and grants.


• Helped our less-privileged and needy kababayans through our Typhoon Ondoy relief effort and collection and distribution of winter clothing.


• Shared our Filipino culture through Fiesta Filipina, Sampaguita Debutantes Ball, Ethnic Enrichment Festival, and out-reach performances by the Sampaguita Choir and Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe.


• Continuously developed and improved our cyberspace presence and identity with our website. We continue to exploit the Internet to enhance our communication.


• Published the Tambuli — our monthly newsletter.


• Continued to involve the younger members of our community through the Tagalog Class; recruitment in the management of the Association; and plans for sport activities such as table tennis and basketball.


• Kept our buildings and grounds maintained. We kept our grass mowed even with the unusually rainy summer; trimmed shrubs and trees; and picked up trash.


• Provided support to other organizations and activities by publicizing them to our community.


• Visited and/or extended best wishes to those who were ill or had lost loved ones.


• Welcomed Filipinos who have newly moved to Kansas City and vicinity.

All of these and more — we did as volunteers on top of our work and home responsibilities. To the incoming officers and leaders of the Association, congratulations and good luck. You have my support.