Financial Health of Organization

Re “Mayor Files for Personal Bankruptcy, April 4.

This article reported that Ventura Deputy Mayor Donna De Paola was declaring bankruptcy due to the financial failure of the Millennium Masquerade, a New Year’s Eve party that her event-planning business had put on “to benefit Soroptimist International of Ventura.”

Soroptimist’s involvement in this event was extremely minimal; a small percentage of the proceeds was to have been donated to Soroptimist International of Ventura.

Specifically, Ms. De Paola, a Soroptimist member, initiated the Millennium Masquerade through her De Paola Enterprises. She approached Soroptimist International of Ventura and it was agreed that in exchange for help with ticket sales, the organization would receive $5 of every $125 ticket sold, after all other expenses had been paid. As it turned out, the event was a financial failure and Soroptimist International of Ventura received nothing. Soroptimist International of Ventura did not sponsor, finance or invest in the event.

As a member of Soroptimist International of Ventura I feel that it is important for the community to know that we are a financially sound organization, committed to raising money and donating it to charitable causes throughout the year. Soroptimist International of Ventura did not suffer any financial hardship because of Millennium Masquerade or lose any money in the endeavor.

Soroptimist International of Ventura greatly appreciates all the community support it receives each year and wishes to reassure its supporters of its financial soundness.

GWEN JONES

Ventura