Dear ESFNA Board & Executive Committee, As you gather for the annual October meeting this weekend, I regret not being able to join you in person this year. In lieu of a formal report, I’ve opted to provide my input on the state of affairs in a public forum, and share my vision for the future of ESFNA. The 40th annual tournament and cultural festival brought together thousands of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia from across North America. This event remains a vital platform for celebrating our culture, identity, and ideals. ESFNA's commitment to remaining apolitical and free of religious and ethnic affiliations has allowed us to focus on our core mission of promoting sports and culture. Despite our achievements, we faced some challenges, including ensuring the financial stability of ESFNA and maintaining a high level of engagement among our members and supporters. We must explore diverse revenue streams, including partnerships with local businesses and seeking sponsorships from organizations aligned with our mission. The Dallas community organized a plethora of ancillary events during the week of the festival. Let’s push forward a strategic event partnership initiative to increase visibility for the best event organizers and add value for our patrons by adding to our event portfolio. Additionally, we should consider creating a sustainable reserve fund to ensure the long-term financial health of ESFNA. ESFNA's founding principles emphasized creating something for future generations. Let's explore initiatives that will solidify our legacy. ESFNA's impact on our community and its potential for growth remain strong. By addressing financial sustainability, enhancing community engagement, and building a lasting legacy, we can ensure ESFNA's continued success for generations to come. I look forward to hearing your discussions and decisions during this important meeting and am eager to contribute further when I can join you in person in the future. ኢትዮጵያ ለዘላለም ትኑር 💚💛❤️ #ESFNA2023 #ethiopia #habesha #ethiopian_tik_tok #habeshatiktok