2021 ANNUAL REPORT FOR

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF PRO VITA ORPHANAGE, INC.

(AFPVO)

This Annual Report is being published as Russia continues an unprovoked attack on Romania’s neighboring country, Ukraine, from air, land, and sea. Thousands of people are dying and large numbers are evacuating Ukraine. Romania has two separate borders with Ukraine, but we do not expect combat forces to actually cross that border and directly affect Pro Vita. Refugees may be a different matter. We will keep watching the situation and let our donors know if there is an serious impact on Pro Vita. Pro Vita is accepting refugees and collecting food for Ukraine.

As AFPVO is the largest financial supporter of Pro Vita outside Romania, we are proud to have helped them succeed as the ultimate safety net for 450+ residents. Throughout 2021, Pro Vita used its Valea Screzii, Valea Plopuliu, and Valenii de Munte facilities to educate, feed, and shelter its beneficiaries in the face of reduced Romanian in-kind donations and struggles with COVID. Fortunately, few Pro Vita residents suffered the worst effects of the pandemic and life continued almost normally. 

The “Economic Trampoline” project has been delayed by COVID impacts and difficulty finding both skilled construction workers and people to be mentors in areas such as sewing and small machine parts manufacturing. 

We know donors have choices when it comes to charitable giving.  Two of our core beliefs are respect for accountability and efficiency. We closely monitor every project through onsite visits and electronic communication to ensure each dollar is used wisely and raises the actual capability of Pro Vita to prepare residents for a productive future. 

AFPVO started 2021 with over $30,000 in the bank. During the year we provided $10,000 to Mihail and Melanie Tanase at Pro Vita to repair a van critical to picking up donated supplies and modify the Social Center building to comply with new safety regulations. Due to the generosity of our donors, we ended the year with over $50,000 on hand. We will transfer appropriate funds to Romania when the Tanases notify us they can actually execute a project successfully given the labor supply constraints, COVID, and now a war nearby.

Despite the challenges faced by many Friends of Pro Vita in the pandemic years of 2020-2021, you continued to provide support: 32 donations in total including 5 new donors.

The Board examined the history of giving since our tax-exempt status returned in 2014 to ensure we had a correct historical perspective on donations:

Our highest level of giving includes those who contributed over $3,000 cumulatively. Orthodox Churches in Virginia and Minnesota, St. Agnes and St. Stephens Episcopal High School Parent Teacher Association in Alexandria, VA, and 5 individuals gave up to $50,000 each.

The second level includes cumulative donations of $1,000 to $2,999. One-time contributors in this range numbered 6 individuals and 11 people gave up to as many as 12 times each. 

The third level includes cumulative donations of $100 to $1,000. A total of 42 individuals provided funds in this range, and we are especially grateful to those 25 individuals who gave multiple times.

Our base level of generous donors includes 19 individuals who provided $15 to $99 in largely one-time gifts.

During 2021, the charity incurred administrative expenses totaling $1,659.94 for website support, assisting Board travel to Romania, various corporate registration fees, and miscellaneous costs. The Board donated over $20,000 to more than cover all expenses and ensure 100% of your donations directly support Pro Vita activities.

We welcome your feedback on every aspect of our work and encourage you to share your commitment to Pro Vita with family and friends. We ask for your help in expanding the AFPVO community and reaching a wider group of potential donors.

Sincerely,

Fr. Sean Cavanaugh, Chairman of the Board

Donna C. Shelton, President

Frank E. Doe, Jr., Treasurer and Secretary

Shelby Stowers, At-Large Member

March 2, 2022