TCF Board Meeting Minutes: 7/14/25

Members present:
Charity Karwowski (secretary)
Payton Landy
Lori Keller (interim executive director)
Becca Dillard

Members absent:
Evie Berry (treasurer)
Beth Philips
Oscar “Figu” Barzuna Hidalgo
Shelley Dean

1. Treasurer update:
Lori provided an update since Evie was not able to attend today’s meeting.
Evie and Lori recently met with a representative from Bank of America. Bob Kunik and Brian
Shollenberger (former TCF board VP and treasurer) are currently listed as signers on TCF’s
Bank of America account. Bob and Brian have both resigned from the board, so Bob will meet
Evie and Lori at Bank of America on Wednesday 7/16/25. Bob will transfer his account
signature capability to Evie. Bob and Brian will both be removed from the TCF account. Evie
will add Lori to TCF Bank of America account. The group is in agreement to proceed, and
these meeting minutes will be presented to the Bank of America employee on Wednesday
7/16/25 for confirmation of this plan.

2. Interim Executive Director Update:
Lori has spoken with Spencer Guthrie (The Relatives) and Dawn Chanland (Queens University)
for guidance regarding governance of our board. Dawn recommended that we find someone
with leadership experience in running a board, rather than utilizing a graduate student.
Dawn planned to reach out to a couple of individuals regarding possible TCF board leadership.
One is a former leader of the Girl Scots of America board, and one is a former leader of the
Union County Public Library board. Neither has fundraising experience. Dawn has not followed
up with Lori yet regarding her conversations with these individuals, and Lori will follow up with
Dawn. TCF’s President and Vice President positions are still open.
Dawn and Lori discussed that a graduate student could potentially help as part of a work study
program. There would need to be a detailed job description and at least 10 hours/ week of
work for the position. Payton suggested that the graduate student could help coordinator our
board meetings including possible offline board meetings between virtual meetings. Payton will
help create a job description for this position. A marketing student would likely be more helpful
than someone from the finance department. There is a leadership development class at
Queens that requires working with a nonprofit. Payton will locate contact information for this
course’s professor.

3. Fundraising update:
Lori has spoken to a friend of hers who is an event planner. This individual recommended a 5K/
walk as one of the easier events to plan. Lori mentioned getting teachers and therapists
involved as team leads for the walk. We could ask a local church to donate their parking lot for

participants to use. Students and families could participate without necessarily making a
financial contribution. We could print banners and t-shirts for the event.
Payton mentioned a “dog jog” fundraiser she attended that was a fun event for attendees.
People donated extra money by purchasing a tag, t-shirt, etc for their dog. All dogs were
leashed during the event. Becca suggested bandannas with the Crossway logo could be
printed for an event like this.
Lori also mentioned having something special at mile markers, such as a banner in honor of
Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. Payton suggested having a family sit at the mile
markers to greet walk participants. They could have chairs, a tent, etc.

4. TCF Board Bylaws:
Becca and Lori mentioned that if TCF no longer exists, our currently bylaws state that any
funds in TCF account will go to an organization with a similar mission. This should be changed
stating that the funds should go to a scholarship fund for Crossway Academy students.

5. PSO update:
The PSO is raising money for mulch and a shade structure for the playground. They have
already raised about $1300 via a Go Fund Me.

6. Teacher retention:
Lori would like to the group to discuss how to address our board’s pillar regarding teacher
retention. Charity asked if there is anything specific the teachers have requested. Lori
mentioned the following:
-a new literary curriculum for neurodivergent students - approx. $700-1200
-teacher raises
-new furniture- will help provide a more uniform appearance among the classrooms
Charity proposed that TCF likely has enough funds to approve the new literacy curriculum to
purchase this summer, so the teachers may be able to use it for the upcoming school year.
Charity requested that the group receive the name of the curriculum and cost, and the group
can vote at an offline board meeting before our next virtual meeting.
The 100 Gardens project funding was also approved since our last board meeting.

7. Next board meeting:
Since we had only had 4 members present today, Charity will email the group to determine the
date/ time for our next board meeting in August.

Respectfully submitted.
Charity Karwowski
TCF Secretary