2009 Annual Report

Our mission and focus remained the same in 2009, to build and get PET vehicles to those most in need where PET would best be suited using a volunteer network.  Although with our current production of about 35 PETs a week, it is ever more important to find new distribution partners.  We made new connections with The Luke Commission in Swaziland and the Association for Human Development (ADHU) in El Salvador (see story on next page).  1,862 PETs were shipped to our partner organizations, who distribute the PET overseas free of charge.  In addition 30 used wheelchairs plus other mobility devices were collected and given to one of our mobility partners for refurbishing and distribution with PETs.

We have continued to be blessed by volunteers across the country that make and deliver parts to us at their cost, promote PET, and volunteers in Columbia who assemble, box for shipping, and load shipments. The volunteers who worked in the assembly shop alone provided 8,206 hours of service.  These dedicated volunteers help keep the average cost of a PET at about $250 and stretch donor dollars farther.  Major highlights included sending another team of volunteers to help distribute PETs in Guatemala in June and hosting a missionary team, WEC International, which had helped coordinate and distribute hundreds of PETs in Chad. 

Revenue
PET MO – Columbia, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit supported by those who believe in its mission of mobility.  This support comes in the form of contributions from individuals, churches, and businesses (cash, discounted or free PET parts/off the shelf items).  For example we have vendors who are supplying free goods such as pallets for shipping, steel springs, and fabricated metal chain guards.  Total revenue for FY 2009 was $318,076. 

Expense
We continue to look for the best price/use of funds whether in shipping, buying supplies/parts, etc.  Total expense for FY 2009 was $395,104.  Program expense (building PETs, shop space and equipment, shipping, and reporting materials to tell the story and educate the public including our quarterly newsletter) was $353,596 or 90%.  Fundraising expense was $5,404 or 1%.  Management and General (office equipment, supplies and general costs of office, office support, and postage) expense was $36,104 or 9%.

Early in 2009 we began communications with Humberto, Chief Executive, of Association for Human Development (ADHU) in El Salvador.  He contacted Von Driggs, director of operations, at PET International.  Tony Gasbarro of Alaska helped facilitate communications and was there to witness one of the distributions.  Von asked us to fill a 40’ shipping container.   ADHU got clearance to receive the shipment duty free and organized another NGO to receive and help with the process.  200 PETs were sent in July.  Some of the PETs were fitted in October, and now we have received a dozen pictures of a ceremonial distribution.  We look forward to sending more PETs in 2010.  We are thrilled to see this process of fundraising, building & shipping PETs, and distribution come full circle over the course of a year.

Board, Officers, and Staff

Dr. Roger Hofmeister, M.D., MSPH, Vice President     
Tom Trabue, Trustee                        Larry Garvin, Trustee
Don Bay, Trustee                              Gary Moreau, Trustee
Richard Hanson, Trustee                  Mike McMillen, Trustee
Larry Wilcox, Trustee                       Jim Wall, Trustee
Kat Cunningham, Trustee                Warren Zahler, Trustee
Steve Baima, Ad Hoc member  Executive Director for PET International. 

Rev. Mel West, Executive Director and PET Founder
Retired United Methodist Pastor, past dairy farmer and agriculture teacher.  Currently is also on the board for Rainbow Network.  Has served on the international boards of Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project, SIFAT, and ECHO.  Extensive travel and consultation with various mission projects.
Kathy Maynard, Treasurer and Secretary (Business Administrator)
A review of our accounting records for our year end December 31, 2008 was completed by Landers, Weiss and Company, LLC on August 7, 2009.  A copy is available upon request.

PET MO – Columbia, Inc., 1908 Heriford Rd., Columbia, MO  65202     573-886-7877

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