Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - April 23, 2009
Seth Hemmelgarn, s.hemmelgarn@ebar.com
The move is part of the store's efforts to "restructure its operating model, given the current economic climate," according to a news release issued Friday, April 17.
Mark Burns, who had held the executive director-general manager position since August 2007, has stepped down, the store's board of directors said in the statement.
Gregg Gerst, chair of Under One Roof's board, told the Bay Area Reporter that Burns's last day was April 10.
Former board member Beth Feingold will serve as part-time interim executive director to ensure continuity of store operations. She will also help review Under One Roof's business model and help strategize for long-term success.
Gerst will assist in fundraising, event planning, and relations with HIV/AIDS service organizations.
"While we hate to lose Mark's leadership, we just cannot financially support a full time executive director-general manager position right now and continue providing the same level of financial support to the many ASOs that need our help," Gerst said in a statement.
Burns, 51, who did not respond to an e-mail request for comment, was paid an annual salary of $100,000, according to Gerst. The nonprofit operated on a budget of $1.1 million when Burns was hired. Gerst said Wednesday that the agency's revenue goal this year is $600,000.
Under One Roof donated $36,000 to its 27 participating AIDS service organizations March 31.
Gerst told the B.A.R. that "business is down a little bit" and donations from major retailers have also decreased. He said that two full-time staff are now focused on bringing in more donated merchandise that can be sold at the store. Under One Roof typically receives such donations from trade shows and other retailers.
The store will continue to utilize its staff of volunteers as it restructures.
"We're feeling hopeful about the economy turning around," said Gerst. "Our sales have actually held relatively steady. We're just trying to focus now on more donated goods for the store."
Bill Hirsch, executive director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel, which is an Under One Roof beneficiary, said he was caught off guard when told of the store changes.
"It's a surprise to me," Hirsch said, adding that he and other beneficiary representatives met with Burns a few weeks ago.
"At that meeting, we got a check," Hirsch said.
He said he hopes the collaboration between ALRP and Under One Roof will continue.
"We'll certainly continue to work with them," Hirsch said. "Under One Roof has been a great source of support for a number of AIDS service organizations. It has donated a great deal of money over the years."
In another cost-cutting measure, beginning May 1, Under One Roof's hours will be shortened by one hour four days a week.
On Sundays, the store will close at 7 p.m.; Mondays through Wednesdays, the shop will shut down at 8 p.m. Doors will continue to remain open until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
In the statement announcing Burns's departure, Gerst praised his leadership in overseeing the organization's move to a larger Castro store space, and the successful offsite sales and fundraising events held during his tenure.
Additionally, the Under One Roof Community Resource Center recently opened in Moms Pharmacy in the Castro, providing the community with a guide to the programs and services available from the HIV/AIDS service organizations that Under One Roof supports.
Since 1990, Under One Roof, which is located at 518A Castro Street and sells items that include coffee mugs and calendars, has donated more than $4 million in unrestricted funds to approximately 30 participating HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Upcoming events
On Saturday, April 25, best-selling author Bill McBride will be on hand from 3 to 6 p.m. with copies of his new book, Carrying a Load of Feathers.
On Thursday, May 7, Jon Ginoli of the band Pansy Division will sign copies of DeFlowered, My Life in Pansy Division , from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information, go to www.underoneroof.org.
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