As the end of November quickly approaches, the Board of the Village Employees Benefit Fund is hoping for a strong finish to their annual fundraising season. Donations received by November 30 will be applied toward this year’s cash appreciation gift to hourly employees, while any donations arriving after that date will be carried over to 2024.
WHEN DO HOURLY WORKERS RECEIVE THEIR VEBF GIFT?
The cash gifts are given directly to eligible employees by VEBF Board members and Platinum-level ($1000 donation) business sponsors during the POA’s annual Employee Christmas Luncheon at the Coronado Center, to be held this year on December 8th. It’s a festive time for the employees, who appreciate the fact that so many Village residents recognize the hard work they do year-round to provide services and help maintain the Village’s infrastructure. It’s the only “Christmas bonus” they will receive.
WHICH POA EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR VEBF GIFTS?
Employees eligible for the cash gifts include those from pay grade 1, starting pay of around $14 per hour, through pay grade 9, around $18 per hour. With only a handful of employees at pay grade 9, the vast majority of recipients typically earn, on average, around $16 an hour. Even though POA wages are fairly competitive, after taxes and withholding, the take-home pay for these employees isn’t all that great. Given the pressures that current inflation levels are placing on working people everywhere, the gift from the VEBF is very helpful, especially during the Holidays. For the past two years, the VEBF was able to give each eligible full-time employee a $300 gift, while part-time employees received a gift of $150.
WHAT IS THE VILLAGE EMPLOYEES BENEFIT FUND?
The VEBF is an independent non-profit organization in support of POA hourly employees. Their mission is to raise funds from Village residents and local business sponsors for the express purpose of giving eligible workers a cash appreciation gift every December. The VEBF also offers financial assistance for catastrophic personal emergencies and scholarships for advanced
training relating to their employment through a Continuing Education fund. The VEBF was founded in 1999 by Village residents, is still operated by Village residents, and is independent of the POA.
HOW CAN VILLAGERS MAKE DONATIONS?
Most Villagers have already received a direct mail request from the VEBF, and many have donated by sending a check. Donations can also be made through a secure portal on the fund’s website, at www.vebf.org.
WHY DONATE?
As a Village resident, you can play a key role in ensuring our POA hourly workers receive a cash appreciation gift to show your sincere thanks for all they do to make the community run smoothly and be a safe and beautiful place to live. For workers earning just a bit above minimum wage, this year-end gift really makes a difference in their lives. Remember, nothing happens in Hot Springs Village until a POA employee comes to work! No trash is collected, no golf course opens, no pickleball or tennis courts are maintained, and water and sewage won’t be processed…the list of chores our workers do for the Village and all its amenities is endless.
To our many donors, the VEBF is very appreciative. Through us, you have stepped up to the challenge of thanking our employees for all their hard work.
Article submitted by John Chapman, Village Employees Benefit Fund President
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I am Spencer Jordan and I am the Program Chairperson for The Rotary Club of Hot Springs Village. I would like to schedule a speaker for the VEBF to speak at one of our meetings. Please contact me at: (501) 984-2529!
— Spence
I have been giving to this fund for years and I still hear comments that some believe VEBF is part of the POA. IT IS NOT! I’ve also heard people say, they get paid to do their jobs. Well, so do people like postal workers and I always give something to our carrier every year at Christmas time. It’s just another way to say thank you. Let our employees know you appreciate them.