A Personal Perspective

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Written by Tony Sutton

I was introduced to the Lighthouse Club Manila Branch by Steve Phillips last year. I had been looking for a network of people who had an outlet,beyond their businesses, to return something to the community in which they make their living, and Steve thought that LHC was just what I was looking for. After a couple of guest attendances of monthly functions, I decided to join.

So what have I discovered since joining? Although attracted by the very relaxed social side of the events, I understood little of the charitable work done by LHCMB.

After nearly four months of membership, I must say I had moved forward only a little in that understanding. That was mostly due to some simple technical errors on my part - not knowing the LHCMB website address and not ensuring that I received newsletters etc.

Then, in early December, I was foolish enough to attend the AGM. Not only that, I compounded the error by talking to another member being sounded out as a new Trustee, only to find Steve proposing me when the other fellow politely declined.

Apart from having an ability to add weight to the Board of Trustee, in common with certain of the other Trustees, I had no qualifications for the role. Nevertheless, under Mr Phillips’s polite but forceful persuasion, I agreed to the new daunting role to which I was, somehow, duly elected. With two Board of Trustee meetings under my long belt, I have a clearer idea of LHCMB objectives.

As with all relatively smaller successful charitable organisations, LHCMB must decide carefully how to make most effective use of the funds raised. Currently, the major project is the financial support of students attending ERDA TECH, an innovative technical and vocational secondary school where children from very poor families are given the opportunity to finish high school education, and learn an employable technical skill at the same time. LHCMB is also coordinating members’ support to the Philippine Christian Foundation’s new school in Tondo.

These are amongst a number of smaller donations granted by the Board of Trustees from time to time. Needless to say, there is always more that can be done by any charity. LHCMB has a relatively modest membership, which provides wonderful support to the club.

The Events and Social Sub-Committee is taking great steps to improve monthly events, and this year’s Annual Ball can be expected to be a real humdinger. That said, members must understand how the funds they raise are used, and the Board aims to do more to show the benefits of their generosity from the February monthly get together.

I have opted for the Charities, Annual Ball and Finance and Administration Sub-Committees of the Board of Trustees. Comments and suggestions from members on any of these areas will be very welcome.

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