Update on the Sacred Paths Center - Good news and some answers

Good news first. Then we will address some of the tough questions.

Last night we raised $1281.00 for the Sacred Paths Center on site. We do not know how much was donated via PayPal donations, but when we have that information we will share that with you. You can still donate online at
www.sacredpathscenter.com Ken Ra gave permission to share that he and his wife donated $500.00 last night and that this is half of his monthly SSDI income. Thank you to both of them for their generous donation. We do not expect everyone to give so generously, but we want to deeply thank all the people who have donated and recognize their contributions.

There will be a live auction and chili feed Monday night August 24th at 7:00 P.M. at the SPC. Lodge Yggdrasill will be making chili and Asian noodles (vegetarian option). $5.00 all you can eat until it is gone. Lodge Yggdrasill is also providing antiques, hand made jewelry, and 20+ prints plus 4+ t-shirts for the auction. Thank you Lodge Yggdrasill! Ken Ra has donated an athame. Peggy McDowell has donated artwork. Chris from MnCoW has offered items as well. Just moments ago we received an e-mail informing us that Oberon is donating a personalized and autographed book to the auction.

Just this morning, the Eye of Horus donated over $300.00 to the Sacred Paths Center.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped out in any way be it by volunteering time, giving money, or support in any way, shape or form. THANK YOU!

Everyone wants to know...What happened?

As we all know, it is a tight economy. How many of us are living paycheck to paycheck? Small businesses are feeling the same crunch. The summer months are always slower for businesses with summer time activities and groups holding their events outdoors while we can in Minnesota. The rent lagged, but arrangements were made to get everything paid up over time.

A funds transfer from a third party did not transfer money into the SPC account when it was supposed to. As a result the check from the SPC to the landlord did not clear. With this check not clearing, the agreement was broken, through no fault of the SPC, and the landlord demanded immediate payment. After a court appearance, an accelerated repayment schedule was agreed upon which is what was worked out yesterday and is the reason we had to move as fast as we did. The mistimed funds transfer from the third party is what put all of this in motion.

The board of directors has met with the owners of the Sacred Paths Center Tuesday evening and they have agreed to stricter scrutiny and more oversight from the board and the community. Given the rapid response we have had to do to meet the new and accelerated repayment schedule, we have not had time to put these new policies together. We will be holding an OPEN meeting to get your input in the near future, but we beg your understanding, indulgence, and support while we get through these first two deadlines.

Now onto all these challenges out there that seem to be popping up...

These challenges have been made by individuals and are not from the Sacred Paths Center. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm, but we do not support the use of guilt. We will present facts and figures and share donations when we have been given permission to do so. This is not an attempt to guilt people into giving money. It is our effort to be as transparent to our community. We understand that not everyone can afford to make a donation, but anything, even the change in your sofa, would be appreciated. One person last night brought in all the change from his recliner cushions and it was nearly $20.00. Thank you!

How will we fund the Sacred Paths Center in the future...

The board will work with the owners to set fair yet sustainable pricing for rooms and resources available at the Sacred Paths Center.

Monthly memberships are available on the website,
www.sacredpathscenter.com Click on Membership at the top of the page. There are varying levels from $5.00 to $50.00 a month that can be automatically charged to a credit card or deducted from your PayPal account.

Also, when you attend an event at the SPC, please make donations to the SPC. There was an event there with 57 people last month and there was $43.00 between the donation buckets.

From me...

One of the hardest things to do in our culture is ask for help. We have been conditioned to "make it through" or "tough it out" on our own. But the Sacred Paths Center has taken that first step. Steps will be taken to prevent this from happening again. Like any step program, we need the support of you, our family, to make it through and recover from this. Please help the Sacred Paths Center make it through this challenging time.

Keith Vorderbruggen

Board Member of Sacred Paths Center
www.sacredpathscenter.com