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What would you do if…???
By Kati White
Let’s throw out some hypothetical
questions here. Let me wax philosophical for a moment. Now, most of us
know the attendance at most events is sadly lacking. The club may have
almost 60 members but in reality, there’s a core group of about 25 or so
faithful who do participate and as a result, have a pretty darn good
time at what ever it is we’re doing. But…who are these other people and
why do they belong? What is it that FaGowees needs to do to get more
people out of their comfort zone or where ever they are and actually
come to social meetings or parties or what ever? Let’s think positive
here, folks, and speak up about what you would like to have the FaGowees
do that YOU would enjoy! It’s no fun for event leaders to put in a
lot of work and then have no one show up.
When I joined FaGowees in 1988, the club
had nearly 300 members, mostly single and most of us were skiers. In
2008, the club has less than 60 members, most are married and I was
recently told there are only TWO racers left and maybe 20 or so skiers.
The whole make up of the club has changed completely! And, let’s face
it…most of us are 20 years older than we were in 1988! Things have
changed and we need to make some changes too in order to do things that
would be to MEMBERS BENEFIT.
As you can see from the Treasurer’s
Report elsewhere in the newsletter, FaGowees has some money but it’s not
a wealthy club. You can take a look for yourself and see what’s there
and how it’s being spent. As our President pointed out, FaGowees
is a Not-For-Profit club. As our Treasurer, Lee Johnson, has
pointed out, we can’t spend the money for frivolous things but it (the
money) can be used for things that benefit the members. The whole Board
of Directors has agreed to that fact. And, lately, funds have been
used to benefit members. The Christmas Party cost $25.00 per person.
The club paid the extra $280.00 cost in order to keep the price down.
Year’s past, the club has set aside as much as $500 to pay for the
Christmas Party. The Luau should have charged everyone $45 - $48.00 per
person but the club made up the difference so those members that came
could have a grand Luau.
So, we come down to the bottom line.
If the club is to sensibly, realistically and practically spend YOUR
dues money on things and events YOU would like to see happen…Things or
events YOU would attend, WHAT ARE THEY? Help us help
FaGowees put on or do things where YOU will come! Do YOU want the money
to sit there for perpetuity or go to some other ski club? Voice
your opinion! Tell the Board! Come to the Board meetings! We even
feed you when you attend! It’s YOUR club. What are your suggestions? (Be
nice, here folks). Bob Mac thinks paid members should go on a FaGowee
sponsored cruise. Another suggestion was surfing lessons on Maui,
complete with hotel & air fare, of course. But, we have to be realistic,
not frivolous, but we can have fun if YOU will just give us some
positive input on what YOU would do if the club was willing to use some
of the funds for members benefit.
Now…don’t just sit there! Let those
fingers fly across the keyboard and send the Board your suggestions!
Meanwhile, hope your 2009 is a Prosperous & Healthy New Year and we’ll
see you at the next Board or Social meeting. |
