2003 Annual Report

President's Report

The year 2003 was very good for Chicago Regional financially, operationally it was one of the most difficult years we have ever had. We started out very well. We were able to purchase radios and for the first time we were no longer in debt. We actually finished the year with a positive balance.

Operationally we took some serious hits. I think in large part it was the back lash from 9/11. While it did bring canine search and rescue to the forefront, a lot of people got into it for the wrong reasons. Some of the people didn't want to have to meet the tough standard set by ARDA and left. Others left to further their careers. Still others regretfully resigned due to illness. And losing both of my canine partners in a six week timeframe was devastating. As the numbers dropped, others in the group decided they didn't want to put in the effort to help rebuild and they too left.

In the end we had Operational Leader, Jim Gallagher, Base Camp Director Pete Coons, handler Bill Britzman, honorary member Shane Gallagher, and myself. It was definitely time to re-group. We needed dogs to go operational immediately. Bill's Gabby was too young and I wasn't about to be out of SAR for two years so I purchased Lektor of My Bodyguard. Lektor is a very high drive male with a Schutzhund 1 title. I'm not sure who drove harder. The poor dog went from 110 pounds down to a low of 87 pounds before he leveled out at a solid 98 pounds. We won't even discuss what happened to my paying job. All I know is for six months straight Lektor and I were training for four hours a day, seven days a week and by the end of 2003 we were back to having an operational dog in the unit.

Building membership became the next problem. How to attract the right people? Who wants to be outside in the wet and cold, work for two years straight to get an entry position, and basically take money out of their own pocket for the privilege?

In addition we were due for our three year review with ARDA. ARDA stood by us and supported us through these bad times, allowing us to delay the evaluation. The Wisconsin unit stood ready to make the drive and cover our search calls until we could take them ourselves.

2003 closed with us in a very low point, but then the only way to go from there was up. 2004 will be a better year. We have changed our procedures and hope to identify those who have a low probability of making it in search and rescue much earlier. We are out of the financial woods so we can focus on developing members not fundraising.

The memorial page says it all about how this year has affected me personally. I will always miss Taz and Clara. Lektor is here now and he deserves all my love and attention. It is truly amazing how each new partner helps us to learn and grow. I wouldn't trade Lektor for the world and he is taking me places I never dreamed I could go. Chicago Regional is going to grow and be stronger for the trials we have faced. Sometimes you just have to have faith.

Sherri Gallagher

President

2003

Open to Public Inspection by Appointment

For the 2003 calendar year

Chicago Regional Search and Rescue Limited

26104 Midlothian Road

Mundelein, IL, Lake County, 60060-3309

Accounting method cash

Website: www.crsardogs.com

Organization type 501c509

The organization’s gross receipts are normally not more than $25,000. The organization need not file a return with the IRS.

Add lines 5b, 6b, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts; if $100,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of 990-EZ

$7,045.71

Part 1 Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances

1. Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received		$6,520.71
2. Program service revenue including government fees and contracts		0
3. Membership dues and assessments		525
4. Investment Income		0
5a. Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory	$ 0
b. Less: cost or other basis and sales expense	0
c. Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory
6a. Special events and activities (none from gaming)	0
b. Less: direct expenses other than fundraising expenses	0
c. Net Income or (loss) from special events and activities
7a. Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances	0
b. Less: cost of goods sold	0
c. Gross profit or (loss) from sale of inventory
8. Other revenue		0
9. Total Revenue (add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6c, 7c, and 8)		$7,045.71

Expenses

10. Grants and similar amounts paid	0
11. Benefits paid to or for members	0
12. Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits	0
13. Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors	25
14. Occupancy, rent, utilities, maintenance	0
15. Printing, publications, postage, and shipping	49.51
16. Other expenses (describe insurance, base repairs and expenses)	3051.07
17. Total expenses (add lines 10 through 16)	3125.58

Net Assets

18. Excess or (deficit) for the year (line 9 less line 17)	3920.13
19. Net asset or fund balances at beginning of year	(873.72)
20. Other changes in net assets or fund balances	0
21. Net assets or fund balances at end of year (combine lines 18 through 20)	3046.41

Actual form Open to Public Inspection by Appointment