History

• MCH has always relied heavily on a Master(s) to make up the significant difference between what the club receives in dues from members and from fund raising.  Like many other current fox hunting clubs, our membership has progressively fewer people with the means or desire to underwrite club costs at a high level. 

• The MCH wooden structures are historically significant and important to the local community (recall the outrage when the south stable roof caved under a heavy snow).  The club, nor its members have the means to repair or restore the structures that are continuing to degrade. 

• The MCH Board voted to sell the property to the Tempel Smith Family as they’ve indicated an interest in maintaining the structures. 

• The Club is leasing the property back at below market rates.

• The sale of the property has given the club some liquidity to continue to function while a foundation is set up to replace the funding that had been previously provided by the Master(s).

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Current State

• The ‘Mill Creek Hunt Foundation’ (EIN 39-3399935) is an IRS Recognized 501©3 charitable not-for-profit to “Continue the traditions of our founders of land preservation and animal husbandry through education”.

• The Foundation has a Board that is separate from the Board of Directors of the Mill Creek Hunt Club.

• Some of the proceeds from the sale of the club property are used for current operations with the balance directed to the Foundation. 

• At this Friday’s Hunt Ball, the creation and purpose of the Foundation will be announced to members who will be encouraged to participate.  This will also be in next week’s newsletter to Club members and friends. ​

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The Future

• Based on current costs and incomes, interest income from the foundation needs to generate $60,000 annually for the club to continue as is currently operating.  This will require a foundation investment of $1.2 million dollars.

• Foundation and Club Board members will be working to identify and approach potential donors. 

• If at any point in the future the club ceases to exist, the Foundation Board will allocate the benefit of the investment to a suitable and approved charity with first priority given to charitable Fox Hunting related organizations, then charitable Equestrian Activities, and alternatively Land Conservation that allows hunting.