This message is from: "Beaver Dam Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hello everybody from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia --
For a while now, I've heard bits and snippets about the formation of a Fjord
Foundation, and that it was begun by a large donation from NFHR president,
Neil Sorum. -- This sounds like a very BIG DEAL, which should be of
interest to everyone in the Fjord world, but as far as I know, there's been
little concrete information about it.
--- I've been asking everybody I know in the Fjord world, including some
on the Board of Directors, what exactly is this Fjord Foundation all about,
and I still haven't gotten an answer. Nobody seems to know. --- As I say,
it does sound like a very big deal to me, and as such, it's something I
should know mroe about.
According to my information, it was started with a several thousand dollar
donation by Registry president, Neil Sorum. -- I would assume that other
"founding members" have also donated. All the other members are well-known
breeders. --
Do we as members have the right to know how much money is involved? And
what it's spent on?
The current Fjord Herald has an article written by NFHR President, Neil
Surum, titled -
"SUPPORT THE NORWEGIAN FJORDHORSE FOUNDATION -- MORE WAYS TO GIVE THAN YOU
EVER IMAGINED" ----It tells us all the ways we can give to the Foundation,
but not a word about what will be done with the money. -- You can give
cash . . publicly traded securities . . . real estate and real estate with
lifetime use . . . closely held stock . . . retirement assets . . . U.S.
Savings Bonds . . . annuities . . . life insurance.
When you're talking about stocks, bonds, annuities, reitrement assets, life
insurance -- That is "Big Stuff" -- One of my many questions is --- WHAT
WILL BE DONE WITH THE MONEY ? . . . . . And, WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE
MONEY?
The Spring 2005 issue of the Herald had an article written by Catherine
Lassessen titled -
"FORGING A DREAM - FOUNDATION FORWARDS FJORD AWARENESS"
This article didn't tell me much either. ---The first puzzling statement
says . . . "
At 2:49pm on Nov. 22, 2004, Charles Kelly, Jr., filed the incorporation
papers in Iowa, forming a firm foundation for the future of the Fjord in the
Midwest." -- Could this be a direct quote from the incorporation papers?
That the Foundation is founding a "firm foundation" for the future of the
Fjord in the Midwest"? --
"Firm foundation for the future of the Fjord in the MIDWEST" -- What does
this mean? . . . . ."In the Midwest"?
I'm wondering who Charles Kelly, Jr. is? --- Is he a Fjord owner or
breeder? I don't see his name in the Fjord Registry Roster. -- The
article tells us that three other "founding members" set up the Foundation.
They are - Registry President Neil Sorum, NFHR Vice President Mark
McGinley, and NFHR Secretary Catherine Lassesen.
Frankly, I find it more than strange that the article states that . . .
(the Foundations) "is an independent organization from the Norwegian Fjord
Horse Registry, though the plan is to work hand in hand with each other for
the benefit of the Norwegian Fjord"
HOW INDEPENDENT CAN IT BE WHEN THE COMMITTEE THAT SET IT UP IS COMPOSED OF -
Registry President Neil Sorum, NFHR Vice President Mark McGinley, and NFHR
Secretary, Catherine Lassessen. --
And how independent can it be when they plan to work "HAND IN HAND WITH EACH
OTHER"?
Other members of the Foundation are - Ann Appleby, Fred Brandt, Howard
Fiedler, Brian Jensen & Phil Odden. -- All breeders.
Catherine Lassessen's article in the Spring Herald says the foundation will
. . . "help further the Fjord breed by promoting its purity and history,
offering education about the unique horses, and supporting research, among
other nonprofit endeavors."
* How does it plan to promote purity?
* How does it plan to promote the history of the breed? -- Will it
advertise?
* I'm particularly curious about "supporting research" - What does this
mean?
The Foundation says they are currently working towards "establishing tight
mission and vision statement" -- Shouldn't they know what their mission and
vision is BEFORE asking for money?
The Foundation also says their current work is "setting short and long-term
goals" -- Again, shouldn't these goals be set BEFORE asking for money? --
I would hope that nobody would consider donating their assets BEFORE this
Foundation sets its goals.
They also say that their "current work" is "IMPLEMENTING MARKETING" --
Hmmm! What does this mean? -- Pardon me for being cynical, but when
everybody in this Foundation group is a breeder with horses to sell, I just
wonder . . . . The purpose of advertising is to attract customers. -- I
would like to know exactly to whom these "attracted customers" will be
responding?
Is anyone else out there in Fjord Digest land curious about this new Fjord
entity . . The Foundation? -- Does anybody else find it strange that a
Foundation asking for very large charitable donations should be set up by
officers of the NFHR, and should be claiming that it is an "indenpendent
organization" from the NFHR?
Is anybody else skeptical that these NFHR officers who are all breeders and
have horses to sell, as well as the other Foundation members who are
breeders are going to be benfiting from the Foundation's advertising???
Perhaps this is all very high-minded and above reproach, and I'm just a
suspicious old lady . . . . BUT, I would like to know more. And, in fact,
would be pretty dumb not to try and learn more.
Sincerely, Carol Rivoire
