marinadock.org

Dear Marina Dock Members and Patrons:

This month we have to make a direct appeal for funds. April was a thoroughly dismal month for us financially; in the last fifteen days of the month we received one check for $100.00. We have to assume rising energy costs coupled with the April 15th tax deadline has tapped everyone out. The rising cost of energy has already impacted our costs of goods and services; I paid $2 more for a 2lb bag of coffee the other day. It's still too early to push the panic button. We are not ready to implement draconian measures like reducing services and raising prices, but by the same token, we are not ruling anything out. A decision was made to wait until the end of May to see if there is more stability on the geopolitical front and hopefully lower energy costs.

I am confident we can weather this storm with your help. We have been in situations like this in the past and our supporters have always come forward and answered the call. I know numbers are boring I would rather be telling stories and working on my writing skills, but we are a business - a small business. Such businesses are difficult to keep afloat and subject to the same cost as big corporations, proportionately, even more so. For example, in April, in addition to our everyday expenses we paid $6,000 in federal payroll taxes, $1,500 in State Unemployment insurance and other Miscellaneous charges, $2,200 in accountancy and bookkeeping charges (for last year 2005), and another $1,200 in workers compensation insurance due May 12th. Yes, the cost of doing business in this economy particularly in California is probably one of the highest in the world. However, we are still not ready to move, not yet.

We Are Doing Our Part

Necessity, being "the mother of invention" we have decided to get into the "donate your car" area of fundraising. It's probably something we should have gotten into a lot sooner, my fault; I thought it was a lot more complicated than it actually is. Perhaps in a way the spiralling gas prices could in fact be a propitious blessing in disguise for us. If you are someone who bought a brand new car when gas was a buck fifty you might now be ready to unload that behemoth, opting for other modes of transportation like a bicycle or walking. If you are thinking about getting rid of your car we will be happy to oblige, see the details below.

In any event we could certainly use you help this month and as always no contribution is too large or too small. We are probably one of the only meeting places in the country where people who are new and or broke can hang out all day and attend meetings.

Free At Last

When Anthony was inside he somehow managed to find our website and contacted us requesting the monthly newsletter and recovery related material. He now attends evening meetings at The Marina Dock coming all the way from Orinda to do so.

Donate Your Vehicle To The Marina Dock

We make it easy for you: fast, courteous,
Convenient, and a tax write-off!
And the proceeds from your donated vehicle are so helpful to us!

In just a few minutes time, we'll arrange to pick up the vehicle, give you a donation receipt, and take care of DMV paperwork.

Yes we accept vehicles that have high mileage, wear and tear, and a lot of years (in most cases), so please don't hesitate to give it a try! We can accept cars, trucks, motorcycles, RV's and boats.

1-888-686-4483
415-922-5977

With Gratitude

"Irish Tony"