Howdy Bears!

Much to write about - but will keep this brief. Bringing back an old theme from our earliest years, we will hold a Beardi Gras pool party at the Coconut Cove Hotel - thanks to our great host and member, David Medici. Mark your calendars! Details follow below.
Our BOSFL Annual Report for the year 2007 is completed and available for members and our sponsors. Highlights from the report follow.

BEARS OF SOUTH FLORIDA - ANNUAL REPORT 2007

Most of our members are aware that the Bears of South Florida (BOSFL) incorporated with the State of Florida as a non-profit corporation. We also requested and received an official designation from the Internal Revenue Service an exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the code. That means that we do not pay income taxes on our proceeds and that donations to our organization may be tax exempt for the donors.
The current Board and past Directors worked hard to bring about our successes. Here are some highlights from 2007: Program Event Revenues: $15,076; Events Costs: $7,707; Administrative (storage/web site) $1,507; Net Proceeds available for donation: $5,862. Estimated attendance at all events is about 1,200 for the year!
Donations to other 501(c)(3) charities: $7,000.
Since our inception (July 2002), the BOSFL sponsored more than 55 events which raised $35,000. By year-end 2007, we distributed $21,600 to local charities - and more will be distributed this year.
If you want a copy of the Annual Report, there will be some available for members at our upcoming events. We plan to post a summary version on the web site.

BEARDI GRAS

Plan to join your fellow bears in celebration of Mardi Gras. The club sponsored such an event a few years back....so it is time for a re-run.
Based on the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake * if you find the plastic baby in the cake, it is considered good luck. The BOSFL cake will have three small bears - and if you find one, you win a prize!
* Official Mardi Gras Site: When the cake was served, if a girl found the lucky token—in time the bean was replaced by a porcelain doll, which in turn gave way to a plastic "baby"—she was obligated to have the party the following week. The young man she designated to be her king was responsible for supplying the king cake. Accordingly, if a young man found the token, he would designate one of the girls to be his queen. However, in keeping with the prevailing custom of the reigning queen assuming the role of host, she'd still be expected to throw the next party.
The food menu has yet to be set by our culinary support team, but burgers and pizza are gaining favor.
BEARDI GRAS
SUNDAY MARCH 9TH - 1 TO 6 PM
The Coconut Cove Guesthouse
3012 Granada Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-523-3226
DONATION: $10
Door Prizes
Includes the BOSFL famous buffet

Please note: open to BOSFL members and their guests only.
Please RSVP to this address

WHERE THE BEARS ARE: SIXTH ANNUAL EVENT

Mark your calendars for April 17-20 for the sixth annual Where the Bears Are weekend. Last year's event hosted over 320 bears during the evening and Sunday finale.
This is the premiere club event and the only event open to the public. Details will follow soon.

The Bears of South Florida, Inc., is an IRS 501c3 Organization

BOSFL 501(c)(3) STATEMENT
The Bears of South Florida, a Nonprofit Corporation, is an IRS 501 (c)(3) Organization - operated by member elected Directors. The net proceeds from all events are contributed to other IRS 501 (c)(3) charities which meet strict guidelines established by the Board. No director or member receives any direct compensation (such as salary or fees) or indirect compensation (such as travel expenses).