Fundraising: Love Notes
Michael
raise questions about our principal fund-raising activity, Love
Notes. Should we continue to produce the same concert/party
fundraiser that we have for the past thirteen years?
On the one hand, it has been notably successful. It has become an
expected community event and people await it. It has raised
substantial funds, increasingly thanks to institutional and commercial
sponsors. It has been a source of pride for the Club.
On the other hand, it is a lot of work; while a lot of people do some
work, some people do a lot of work. Perhaps a complicated event so
dependent on the efforts of a few has a built-in risk that we should
take note of. Further, the purchase of tickets by individuals cannot
be deducted from personal taxes. We have recently been lucky with the
weather, but this has not always been the case. We have been the
recipients of Amherst College's generosity, and perhaps it will not
always be in a position to donate its facilities.
In any event, I think such a major effort should be periodically
affirmed by the Club. What do you think?
Hubbard Smith
From: future-of-the...@googlegroups.com on behalf of Michael
Sent: Wed 10/21/2009 12:25 PM
To: Future of The Amherst Club
Subject: Fundraising: Love Notes
Lorraine Desrosiers
labor-intensive. We've got Love Notes down and it gets easier every year.
The people who participate on the various committees, especially those who
chair, tend to be much the same from year to year and it becomes
second-nature to many of them. Jacquie chaired only a couple of years ago
and this is my fourth time chairing -- might be my fifth. I am willing to
continue to chair year after year. I know what to do and whom to tap for
their strengths (and weakness in saying no) and I believe everyone enjoys
the process once they go around a few times.
To change what we have as our main fundraiser does not seem like such a good
idea. The better we get at it the more time and energy we have for other
events like our auctions, our anniversary parties, and most recently, our
float. No matter what an organization's membership is, or that of a
business or other enterprise, there are always a few who do more of the work
and a larger number who do less. It always works out this way, even if it
is only collecting money from members and depending on their willingness to
hand it out.
If we are unable to benefit from Amherst College in the future, or if
anything we now depend on changes, then we will adjust to that. I wouldn't
tamper with Love Notes.
Further, I think we might consider a second fundraiser event in the warmer
months, something we have talked about before. I think we can do it in
addition to Love Notes. Perhaps, Michael, this might be a topic for
discussion here.
Lorraine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael" <mlgree...@gmail.com>
To: "Future of The Amherst Club"
Carlton Brose
Hub, I tend to agree with you, although I have had a few misgivings over whether the Club could withstand future “Love Notes”. Hearing Lorraine’s testimony re familiarization of the roles performed, I am further convinced that the entrenchment is there. As long as enthusiasm is high for all we are doing, it does appear we are riding the wave. It is true that we have become a popular wintertime event, yet I do fret about the weather just as Michael seems to. Perhaps it is because winter is no longer my favorite time of the year, and I dislike taking the risks I once did. It does appear that we need a few more younger people to steer our boat. Ahoy!
NancyB.
Arthur Kinney
I certainly reaffirm it. As for refreshments, check with Tina. She
often likes to work with smaller rather than larger groups.
Arthur
Susan Lowenstein
Arthur Kinney
I will weigh in with both Hub and Susie.
Arthur
Susan Lowenstein wrote:
> I agree with Hub. Susie
>
>
> on 10/21/09 3:41 PM, Hubbard Smith at hms...@amherst.edu wrote:
>
> My top-of-the-head reaction is that as long as: 1. we still have
> enough people willing to work on it to do what's necessary; 2. it
> remains successful; and 3. Amherst College remains cooperative, we
> continue with the institution we own and are known for, Love
> Notes. Once one of the three conditions changes dramatically, we
> reconsider the program, consider alternatives and perhaps even
> consider whether or not The Amherst Club should continue to exist.
> I could soften or otherwise alter my stance upon further
> reflection. --- Hub
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* future-of-the...@googlegroups.com on behalf of
> Michael
> *Sent:* Wed 10/21/2009 12:25 PM
> *To:* Future of The Amherst Club
> *Subject:* Fundraising: Love Notes
Lorraine Desrosiers
moved say that whenever someone mentions that our club may not exist in the
future, for whatever reasons, I feel a pang in my chest. Frankly, the club
and the individuals in it are important to me, especially as I grow older.
It not only provides a link to my active and involved past with the town of
Amherst through family and work, but it is a central part of my community
participation during these later years. I don't know how I would replace
the involvement that our fundraising, lunches, and discussion provides for
me. Doesn't mean I am not open to change in some important ways. But
cavalier talk of dissolution is uncomfortable. Am I the only one who feels
this way? Lorraine.
Michael Greenebaum
Michael
Arthur Kinney
Lorraine is not alone; I am with her.
Arthur
Lorraine Desrosiers
Michael, after reading Roger's treasurer's report that correctly mentioned a
bleak outlook regarding robust attendance, I want to say it always seems a
bit of an irony. I like to see participation as a good thing. Isn't there
some other way for us to make expenses without counting on weak attendance?
For example, wouldn't it be great if attendees who feel they can would make
donations so the more people who attend lunch, the better it would be? Or
having organizations and businesses, as well as individuals become inactive
but paying members, as I suggested a few weeks ago? Let's work on that.
Perhaps we can google-discuss it some more.
Lorraine