This year GWRRA has had the unfortunate task of dealing with misappropriation of Chapter funds (theft); and this is not only morally wrong but also illegal. Officers of any organization have a fiduciary responsibility for fiscal accuracy in the accounting of their expenditures.

Chapter funds belong to the CHAPTER for the operations of the Chapter.  They do not belong to the residing or retiring Officers.  When a new Chapter Director is appointed to an existing Chapter, the Chapter Treasurer must close out the books and prepare a closing financial statement.  A check must then be made payable to the depository institution selected by the new Chapter Director for the balance of the account, less any checks that have not been presented for payment.

The monies that are acquired through various fund-raising activities do not belong to any individual but to the GWRRA organization and its Membership. The process of misappropriation of funds is no different than taking the money directly out of the pocket of the Members.  Again, the monies come from the Membership, the monies belong to the GWRRA Membership, and it is absolutely Mandatory that monies, property and equipment be responsibly managed on their behalf.

NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, should Chapter funds be removed by the Chapter Director or any Member for their personal use or to start or join another motorcycle organization. If such a circumstance occurs, GWRRA Inc. will pursue the matter by using any and all legal recourses to the fullest extent.

I know that 99.9% of GWRRA’s Officers and staff who are entrusted with custodial responsibilities do not abuse the trust placed in them; and when it comes time to transfer GWRRA property, monetary or otherwise, it is done so in full and without misguided justification.  However, we must be aware that, as unfortunate as it is, it does occur. And as said previously, GWRRA Inc. will prosecute all such occurrences.

Melissa Eason