Vha community foundation big bash with rocky and the rollers

[jane032657]

Have you gotten your tickets yet for the VHA Community Foundation annual big bash on Tuesday, October 20th from 5-9 pm at The Savannah Center? Tickets include Rocky and The Rollers, dinner catered by Sakura (bring your own beverages). Proceeds go to support The Helping Hands Program which provides durable medical equipment at no charge to Villagers in need as well as toward the SPARKLE Scholarship which recognizes students who promote inclusiveness of all their peers. Tickets are $65 each and can be bought at the Villages Box Office or at Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com)

If you would like to reserve a table of 8, or have questions, please call Jane at 352 391 0899

Thank you!

[Advogado]

Have you gotten your tickets yet for the VHA Community Foundation annual big bash on Tuesday, October 20th from 5-9 pm at The Savannah Center? Tickets include Rocky and The Rollers, dinner catered by Sakura (bring your own beverages). Proceeds go to support The Helping Hands Program which provides durable medical equipment at no charge to Villagers in need as well as toward the SPARKLE Scholarship which recognizes students who promote inclusiveness of all their peers. Tickets are $65 each and can be bought at the Villages Box Office or at Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com)

If you would like to reserve a table of 8, or have questions, please call Jane at 352 391 0899

Thank you!



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[Mleeja]

Before anyone buys a ticket for a VHA Foundation-sponsored event or supports the VHA in any way, one should know some facts about the VHA and its Foundation.

First, as I have pointed out in other posts, with substantiation, the VHA is not really a "homeowners" organization, but functions essentially as a front organization for the Developer.

Second, the VHA Foundation was established by the VHA as a charitable foundation. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, the VHA Foundation is, I believe you will find, prohibited from using its funds to make political contributions. Nevertheless, as shown by Sumter County Board of Elections records, the Foundation made a monetary contribution to the political campaign (which was also supported by the Developer) of one the VHA's ex-Presidents when he successfully ran for County Commissioner. Search Candidate Reports (http://www.sumterelections.org/Finance-Reporting/Search-Candidate-Reports)

I would not have expected anything less from the poster. I believe this posyer is an official in the POA. Why else would they care and speak so ill of the VHA.

[Kannon451]

I would not have expected anything less from the poster. I believe this posyer is an official in the POA. Why else would they care and speak so ill of the VHA.

I thank Avogado for the post. Having an agenda is irrelevant and not unusual in this forum. I have read and heard enough to liken the VHA/POA to oil and water. Differing perspectives and opinions are one of the best things about this forum. That is what's important here. The more information we have on a particular subject, the better off we will be to make informed choices.

[Barefoot]

...

[Mleeja]

Problem I have is the poster is part of an organization that has an ax to grind with any organization that might be favorable to the developers of The Villages. To the point of making a veiled allegation of impropriety by the VHA. Considering the cost of the failed lawsuit by the POA and the cost foisted upon its members and the residents of TV, I would think the poster would be wary of making such statements.

[manaboutown]

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[graciegirl]

Jane. Thank you for your original post. I hope that most people reading this can see through the negativity and know that The Foundation does a lot of good and is worthy of support.

[Advogado]

Problem I have is the poster is part of an organization that has an ax to grind with any organization that might be favorable to the developers of The Villages. To the point of making a veiled allegation of impropriety by the VHA. Considering the cost of the failed lawsuit by the POA and the cost foisted upon its members and the residents of TV, I would think the poster would be wary of making such statements.
I would first like to clarify two things:

1. As I have said in previous posts on the subject, I am a member of the POA, but I have never been an officer or director thereof. I am a former member of the VHA, having joined shortly after moving here. At the time of joining, I mistakenly thought that I was joining a "homeowners'" association. After learning more about what was really going on, I dropped my membership. In any event, the subject here is the VHA and not my relationship to the POA or to the VHA, and I think the posts on this thread should be directed to the subject and not to other posters.

2. Contrary to your post, my "allegation of impropriety by the VHA" has not been "veiled".

To the extent that it is relevant, my motivation in bringing to light FACTS about the VHA is that I find its existence and its relationship to the Developer offensive, and I think many Villagers are not aware of those facts. I would not feel this way if the VHA did not hold itself out as a "homeowners'" association. If it simply called itself something like "The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. Boosters Club", my objections would disappear.

I will reiterate some basic facts about the VHA, all based on publicly available, but not widely known, information:

1. VHA consistently sides with Developer. In no case where Developer's interests have conflicted with those of the residents has the VHA sided with the residents. The latest example is the VHA's verbatim republication, on its home page, of the attacks on the POA, regarding the recent class-action lawsuit, that were contained in the Developer's newspaper, the Daily Sun. The following may help explain why the VHA acts the way it does.

2. VHA established in collaboration with the Developer. The VHA was established, in collaboration with the Developer, to attempt to weaken or destroy the POA, which had been an occasional thorn in the Developer's side. The VHA's own "history" on its website pretty much admits this. Read the history carefully and you will note that, even before the VHA's first meeting, the group had pledged cooperation with the Developer. Think about the Developer's motivation in assisting in the establishment of a rival organization to the POA. The POA was an organization that ended up winning a class-action lawsuit against the Developer that netted $40 million for Villagers.

3. VHA newsletter printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper. The VHA newsletter, The Villages Voice, is printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper, The Daily Sun.

4. Past VHA Presidents personally rewarded by the Developer. Two of the VHA's past presidents have been rewarded by the Developer by receiving the Developer's political and financial support in their campaigns for County Commissioner. See: Search Candidate Reports (http://www.sumterelections.org/Finance-Reporting/Search-Candidate-Reports)

5. Another VHA President on the Developer's payroll while serving as such President. Another of the VHA's past presidents was actually on the Developer's payroll while serving as VHA president and may still continue to be on the Developer's payroll. See: Roger Kass | Lifelong Learning College | ZoomInfo.com (http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Roger-Kass/1189625559)

These facts are just ones available from the public record. I have no way of knowing about any non-public dealings that underlay the decision of the Developer to back the political careers of two VHA ex-presidents or that account for the VHA's siding with the Developer on issues involving residents. Lest it be said that I am anti-Developer or anti-Villages, I am not. This is a great place, and the Developer has done many things to be proud of here. Unfortunately, the Developer's involvement with the VHA is not one of them.

[graciegirl]

I would first like to clarify two things:

1. As I have said in previous posts on the subject, I am a member of the POA, but I have never been an officer or director thereof. I am a former member of the VHA, having joined shortly after moving here. At the time of joining, I mistakenly thought that I was joining a "homeowners'" association. After learning more about what was really going on, I dropped my membership. In any event, the subject here is the VHA and not my relationship to the POA or to the VHA, and I think the posts on this thread should be directed to the subject and not to other posters.

2. Contrary to your post, my "allegation of impropriety by the VHA" has not been "veiled".

To the extent that it is relevant, my motivation in bringing to light FACTS about the VHA is that I find its existence and its relationship to the Developer offensive, and I think many Villagers are not aware of those facts. I would not feel this way if the VHA did not hold itself out as a "homeowners'" association. If it simply called itself something like "The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. Boosters Club", my objections would disappear--except my concern about the political contribution by the VHA Foundation.

I will reiterate some basic facts about the VHA, all based on publicly available, but not widely known, information:

1. VHA consistently sides with Developer. In no case where Developer's interests have conflicted with those of the residents has the VHA sided with the residents. The latest example is the VHA's verbatim republication, on its home page, of the attacks on the POA, regarding the recent class-action lawsuit, that were contained in the Developer's newspaper, the Daily Sun. The following may help explain why the VHA acts the way it does.

2. VHA established in collaboration with the Developer. The VHA was established, in collaboration with the Developer, to attempt to weaken or destroy the POA, which had been an occasional thorn in the Developer's side. The VHA's own "history" on its website pretty much admits this. Read the history carefully and you will note that, even before the VHA's first meeting, the group had pledged cooperation with the Developer. Think about the Developer's motivation in assisting in the establishment of a rival organization to the POA. The POA was an organization that ended up winning a class-action lawsuit against the Developer that netted $40 million for Villagers.

3. VHA newsletter printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper. The VHA newsletter, The Villages Voice, is printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper, The Daily Sun.

4. Past VHA Presidents personally rewarded by the Developer. Two of the VHA's past presidents have been rewarded by the Developer by receiving the Developer's political and financial support in their campaigns for County Commissioner. See: Search Candidate Reports (http://www.sumterelections.org/Finance-Reporting/Search-Candidate-Reports)

5. Another VHA President on the Developer's payroll while serving as such President. Another of the VHA's past presidents was actually on the Developer's payroll while serving as VHA president and may still continue to be on the Developer's payroll. See: Roger Kass | Lifelong Learning College | ZoomInfo.com (http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Roger-Kass/1189625559)

These facts are just ones available from the public record. I have no way of knowing about any non-public dealings that underlay the decision of the Developer to back the political careers of two VHA ex-presidents or that account for the VHA's siding with the Developer on issues involving residents. Lest it be said that I am anti-Developer or anti-Villages, I am not. This is a great place, and the Developer has done many things to be proud of here. Unfortunately, the Developer's involvement with the VHA is not one of them.





Boy oh boy. Really?

[graciegirl]

Have you gotten your tickets yet for the VHA Community Foundation annual big bash on Tuesday, October 20th from 5-9 pm at The Savannah Center? Tickets include Rocky and The Rollers, dinner catered by Sakura (bring your own beverages). Proceeds go to support The Helping Hands Program which provides durable medical equipment at no charge to Villagers in need as well as toward the SPARKLE Scholarship which recognizes students who promote inclusiveness of all their peers. Tickets are $65 each and can be bought at the Villages Box Office or at Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com)

If you would like to reserve a table of 8, or have questions, please call Jane at 352 391 0899

Thank you!





Thank you Jane, for sharing this very good cause with us.

[Advogado]

Boy oh boy. Really?

Could I suggest that we stick to a discussion of the facts?

[Jimturner]

I would first like to clarify two things:

1. As I have said in previous posts on the subject, I am a member of the POA, but I have never been an officer or director thereof. I am a former member of the VHA, having joined shortly after moving here. At the time of joining, I mistakenly thought that I was joining a "homeowners'" association. After learning more about what was really going on, I dropped my membership. In any event, the subject here is the VHA and not my relationship to the POA or to the VHA, and I think the posts on this thread should be directed to the subject and not to other posters.

2. Contrary to your post, my "allegation of impropriety by the VHA" has not been "veiled".

To the extent that it is relevant, my motivation in bringing to light FACTS about the VHA is that I find its existence and its relationship to the Developer offensive, and I think many Villagers are not aware of those facts. I would not feel this way if the VHA did not hold itself out as a "homeowners'" association. If it simply called itself something like "The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. Boosters Club", my objections would disappear--except my concern about the political contribution by the VHA Foundation.

I will reiterate some basic facts about the VHA, all based on publicly available, but not widely known, information:

1. VHA consistently sides with Developer. In no case where Developer's interests have conflicted with those of the residents has the VHA sided with the residents. The latest example is the VHA's verbatim republication, on its home page, of the attacks on the POA, regarding the recent class-action lawsuit, that were contained in the Developer's newspaper, the Daily Sun. The following may help explain why the VHA acts the way it does.

2. VHA established in collaboration with the Developer. The VHA was established, in collaboration with the Developer, to attempt to weaken or destroy the POA, which had been an occasional thorn in the Developer's side. The VHA's own "history" on its website pretty much admits this. Read the history carefully and you will note that, even before the VHA's first meeting, the group had pledged cooperation with the Developer. Think about the Developer's motivation in assisting in the establishment of a rival organization to the POA. The POA was an organization that ended up winning a class-action lawsuit against the Developer that netted $40 million for Villagers.

3. VHA newsletter printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper. The VHA newsletter, The Villages Voice, is printed and distributed by the Developer's newspaper, The Daily Sun.

4. Past VHA Presidents personally rewarded by the Developer. Two of the VHA's past presidents have been rewarded by the Developer by receiving the Developer's political and financial support in their campaigns for County Commissioner. See: Search Candidate Reports (http://www.sumterelections.org/Finance-Reporting/Search-Candidate-Reports)

5. Another VHA President on the Developer's payroll while serving as such President. Another of the VHA's past presidents was actually on the Developer's payroll while serving as VHA president and may still continue to be on the Developer's payroll. See: Roger Kass | Lifelong Learning College | ZoomInfo.com (http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Roger-Kass/1189625559)

These facts are just ones available from the public record. I have no way of knowing about any non-public dealings that underlay the decision of the Developer to back the political careers of two VHA ex-presidents or that account for the VHA's siding with the Developer on issues involving residents. Lest it be said that I am anti-Developer or anti-Villages, I am not. This is a great place, and the Developer has done many things to be proud of here. Unfortunately, the Developer's involvement with the VHA is not one of them.
Very informative. Thank you. It amazes me how some deny facts in an attempt to bestow the developer with sainthood! The Villages is wonderful but the developer should not be above the law.

[Advogado]

Jane. Thank you for your original post. I hope that most people reading this can see through the negativity and know that The Foundation does a lot of good and is worthy of support.
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[graciegirl]

Could I suggest that we stick to a discussion of the facts?



That would be nice. Many people KNOW who I am. AND who Jane is. She is a helpful member of the VHA. And is supportive of many charities around The Villages. And an excellent contributor to the online News.

This thread was started by her to encourage participation in a worthy charitable event.

[jane032657]

I just saw all these comments. I do not know anything of any political contributions from the Foundation to anyone running for anything. The FOUNDATION is a separate 501 c 3 charity. It heavily was a conduit for supporting Katrina when it happened. We presently have TWO projects where the proceeds from this event will go to. ONE is the HELPING HANDS program which provides durable medical equipment at NO CHARGE to VILLAGERS in need, any Villager. Doesn't matter what you belong to. Everything from walkers to electric scooters. SECOND, we and PETRINA support the SPARKLE scholarship which provides scholarships to students who promote inclusiveness among their peers.

I PERSONALLY am the President of the FOUNDATION. I give my time and energy to raise money for the ABOVE causes. I am not involved politically in any way with Villages politics. I am aware that the VHA and the POA have differences but my focus in on neither. MY FOCUS is on raising funds for two great programs that benefit local Villagers who are in need, and students who step outside the bounds of cliques and support their peers.

NEVER while I have been President for two years, NEVER, and I will say again NEVER, has one penny gone to anything but charitable causes. This is the FOUNDATION, not the VHA itself, though certainly there is a cooperative relationship. I am a LONG TIME PROFESSIONAL fundraiser and was the Executive Director of charities most of my career except when I was operating assisted living/memory care communities. I have raised $30,000 in Mission Hills for the AED Program. Last year I put on the event with The Dorels for THE FOUNDATION.

So whatever your politics, whichever groups you like or don't like, of course have your opinions. I am not asking anyone to do anything except look at the event I am working hard to put on which will benefit VILLAGERS and STUDENTS, and trust me that there is no money, not a penny, going to anything except these programs from this fundraiser, and NEVER, while I am President, does one penny go to anything that is not a proper 501 c 3 legitimate cause. My reputation is clean and I am respected for my work. I hope you will consider supporting the ROCKY AND THE ROLLERS event to benefit VILLAGERS AND STUDENTS and get your tickets at
Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com)

Last, I can assure you, if I ever do decide to run for any office, I was in politics in British Columbia, I would not be someone who would be supported or given money to by those who are referred to in the posts above as my politics are in the minority in The Villages and I do not care. I do what I believe in, and I believe in charity and raising money to help people. That is what this event is about and what I am about. I have no interest in the local government or in being on the VHA or POA. I just do what I enjoy to help the community in the manner which I find fulfilling. So please, please, don't tarnish my event for reasons that have NOTHING to do with the FOUNDATION. It is it's own charity. It is not political, is is charitable. It helps your neighbors. I gain nothing in my future from doing these events, and I have no agendas except as I have stated. Thank you for listening to my side of what is being said. I am ONLY focusing on raising funds for good causes. This is THE VHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. It is it's own entity.

[Advogado]

That would be nice. Many people KNOW who I am. AND who Jane is. She is a helpful member of the VHA. And is supportive of many charities around The Villages. And an excellent contributor to the online News.

This thread was started by her to encourage participation in a worthy charitable event.
///

[Advogado]

I just saw all these comments. I do not know anything of any political contributions from the Foundation to anyone running for anything. The FOUNDATION is a separate 501 c 3 charity. It heavily was a conduit for supporting Katrina when it happened. We presently have TWO projects where the proceeds from this event will go to. ONE is the HELPING HANDS program which provides durable medical equipment at NO CHARGE to VILLAGERS in need, any Villager. Doesn't matter what you belong to. Everything from walkers to electric scooters. SECOND, we and PETRINA support the SPARKLE scholarship which provides scholarships to students who promote inclusiveness among their peers.

I PERSONALLY am the President of the FOUNDATION. I give my time and energy to raise money for the ABOVE causes. I am not involved politically in any way with Villages politics. I am aware that the VHA and the POA have differences but my focus in on neither. MY FOCUS is on raising funds for two great programs that benefit local Villagers who are in need, and students who step outside the bounds of cliques and support their peers.

NEVER while I have been President for two years, NEVER, and I will say again NEVER, has one penny gone to anything but charitable causes. This is the FOUNDATION, not the VHA itself, though certainly there is a cooperative relationship. I am a LONG TIME PROFESSIONAL fundraiser and was the Executive Director of charities most of my career except when I was operating assisted living/memory care communities. I have raised $30,000 in Mission Hills for the AED Program. Last year I put on the event with The Dorels for THE FOUNDATION.

So whatever your politics, whichever groups you like or don't like, of course have your opinions. I am not asking anyone to do anything except look at the event I am working hard to put on which will benefit VILLAGERS and STUDENTS, and trust me that there is no money, not a penny, going to anything except these programs from this fundraiser, and NEVER, while I am President, does one penny go to anything that is not a proper 501 c 3 legitimate cause. My reputation is clean and I am respected for my work. I hope you will consider supporting the ROCKY AND THE ROLLERS event to benefit VILLAGERS AND STUDENTS and get your tickets at
Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com)

Last, I can assure you, if I ever do decide to run for any office, I was in politics in British Columbia, I would not be someone who would be supported or given money to by those who are referred to in the posts above as my politics are in the minority in The Villages and I do not care. I do what I believe in, and I believe in charity and raising money to help people. That is what this event is about and what I am about. I have no interest in the local government or in being on the VHA or POA. I just do what I enjoy to help the community in the manner which I find fulfilling. So please, please, don't tarnish my event for reasons that have NOTHING to do with the FOUNDATION. It is it's own charity. It is not political, is is charitable. It helps your neighbors. I gain nothing in my future from doing these events, and I have no agendas except as I have stated. Thank you for listening to my side of what is being said. I am ONLY focusing on raising funds for good causes. This is THE VHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. It is it's own entity.
///

[graciegirl]

Could you provide an explanation about the FOUNDATION'S contribution to the political campaign of the former VHA president? Or are the records of the Sumter County Supervisor of Elections wrong?



Are you sure you have the right foundation? Could you please copy and paste what you are talking about? The link you posted brings up a blank page with nothing filled in for me.

The developer and many of his staff and family have openly made contributions to the Republican Party. I see no reason why contributions would be hidden to support any candidate or made through this foundation. It just doesn't make sense..


And again. Thank you Jane. And Thank you VHA.

[jane032657]

I do not know anything about this. I have not seen what the record says and it has not happened while I am President and I do not believe it has ever happened under The Foundation. I will certainly investigate but if and when this happened, which I do not believe it did because it would be a violation of being a charity, it did not happen while I have been on the Board of Directors of The Foundation. I have not seen the document you are referring to. It would be helpful if you could email it to me at
janeinthevillages@gmail.com so I can actually see it, or take a screen shot and message it to me at 352 391 0899. I will try and find out what you are referring to and I will respond to my findings in this public forum, as I believe in transparency and I know it has never happened while I have been involved. I need to actually SEE what you are referring to so I can research and respond intelligently and with facts. Thank you.

[Advogado]

I do not know anything about this. I have not seen what the record says and it has not happened while I am President and I do not believe it has ever happened under The Foundation. I will certainly investigate but if and when this happened, which I do not believe it did because it would be a violation of being a charity, it did not happen while I have been on the Board of Directors of The Foundation. I have not seen the document you are referring to. It would be helpful if you could email it to me at
janeinthevillages@gmail.com so I can actually see it, or take a screen shot and message it to me at 352 391 0899. I will try and find out what you are referring to and I will respond to my findings in this public forum, as I believe in transparency and I know it has never happened while I have been involved. I need to actually SEE what you are referring to so I can research and respond intelligently and with facts. Thank you.

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[Advogado]

Are you sure you have the right foundation? Could you please copy and paste what you are talking about? The link you posted brings up a blank page with nothing filled in for me.

The developer and many of his staff and family have openly made contributions to the Republican Party. I see no reason why contributions would be hidden to support any candidate or made through this foundation. It just doesn't make sense..


And again. Thank you Jane. And Thank you VHA.
///

[jane032657]

I was not a part of this is September 2012, I can assure you it is not the practice as of the past two years, and I am looking into it to get the facts and find out the specifics, Thank you for bringing this to my attention so I can investigate.

[Moderator]

The topic of this thread is the charitable event sponsored by the VHA Foundation. If you wish to start a new thread to discuss the relationship between the Foundation, the VHA, and the Developer, you may.

Any further off topic posts will be deleted.

Moderator

[jane032657]

Thank you Moderator. If I may close this with a VERY important point of clarification. The report that the poster is referring to does indeed show a donation of $100. HOWEVER, if he looked CLOSELY, he would see it was an EXPENSE of that individual's campaign and THEY made a donation to THE FOUNDATION. The FOUNDATION did NOT Make a donation to the campaign.


Exp 9/8/2012 Burgess, Donald Lain-85 County Commissioner, Dist. 3 VHA Foundation
1104 Main Street
The Villages, FL 32159 $100.00 donation Monetary TR-P

[Advogado]

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[Polar Bear]

...Lest it be said that I am anti-Developer or anti-Villages, I am not...
Almost lost my morning oatmeal when I read that. [emoji23]

[Bonny]

Almost lost my morning oatmeal when I read that. [emoji23]:1rotfl:

[Bonny]

Good luck with the fundraiser. Hope you have a great turnout. :thumbup:

[Polar Bear]

Good luck with the fundraiser. Hope you have a great turnout. :thumbup:
:agree:

[Advogado]

///

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you Moderator. If I may close this with a VERY important point of clarification. The report that the poster is referring to does indeed show a donation of $100. HOWEVER, if he looked CLOSELY, he would see it was an EXPENSE of that individual's campaign and THEY made a donation to THE FOUNDATION. The FOUNDATION did NOT Make a donation to the campaign.


Exp 9/8/2012 Burgess, Donald Lain-85 County Commissioner, Dist. 3 VHA Foundation
1104 Main Street
The Villages, FL 32159 $100.00 donation Monetary TR-P
Sorry you had to defend yourself...............
I hope the event will be a success!

[jane032657]

I think it was actually a productive conversation, an issue was raised, some discussion had, we were able to get the facts, the person who was questioning apologized for his misunderstanding and removed all the comments once the facts were understood, and the event will go on untarnished and better known with a positive ending. I think dialogue is good, even if uncomfortable, and we are all friends at the end.