I accepted the request of the BendFilm board to be the Executive Director in November 2007. So that we would not have to close our doors, I came on board for no salary for two months – which was my choice. At all times, I have attempted to honor the mission of BendFilm, which is to celebrate the passionate voice of the independent filmmaker. Anyone who thinks my ‘agenda’ was anything different than that doesn’t know me. I love film. I love filmmakers. I love BendFilm. At all times I worked towards honoring that mission. I worked solely towards honoring the funds sponsors gave, and to honor the work the filmmakers created, which at times is simply extraordinary.
It is devastating to me to give it up and I only do so because there is no other alternative. As the sole fundraiser for BendFilm, I raised 100% of the funds that enabled us to operate this year. I am honored to have had the opportunity to do that. I am honored to have worked with sponsors, donors and volunteers who gave their heart and soul to BendFilm. To them, I apologize that I could no longer head up an organization I loved. I sincerely hope that the BendFilm board has a positive and empowering mission that will allow them to take the organization to new heights.
To the sponsors, donors and volunteers, I send my thanks and love for the overwhelming emails and voice messages of support I have received since resigning and truly hope that BendFilm survives this current negative climate.
Thank you on all levels,
Sandy Henderson
This article appears in Nov 6-12, 2008.
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While I am sure you did the job that you were hired for at BendFilm I cannot help but take offense that you are claiming credit for carrying the organization when I am one of 200 volunteers that have given time over the past five seasons at BendFilm without salary or anything in return except to help the organization. You are the third Executive Director in five years and I still know volunteers that have lasted and served for the entire five years and plan on doing so as long as the festival lasts because they truly believe in the cause. I have read that your salary was one of only two paid positions and constituted one-fifth of the entire budget. If you really believe in the cause I would expect to see you back as a volunteer next season with the rest of us.
I find it odd that you also take credit for all of the fundraising when there are sponsors that have been on board since the festival was founded. The only negative climate I see needing to be survived is the downturn in the economy and the negative rumors flying around town from the former Executive Director of BendFilm.