On December 4, 2019, we held our Annual Meeting for 2019. A quorum for us is 24 and we had 30 members present. Our Secretary, Brother Andrew Moss, compiled, for the second year, the officer reports, committee reports, and reports from Personnel Committee meetings. He has since sent out an electronic version of these report. I encourage everyone to review the reports to get a very good perspective on what happened this year.
An extensive and very good discussion covered events during the year and plans for next year. I reported that we have contracted with Martin’s Crosswinds for the Red Sash Ball (RSB) next year. Our secretary, Brother Moss, and his committee evaluated venues in DC that could accommodate us and the least costly place came in at more than $80 per person versus roughly $60 for Martin’s. It should be noted that the $80 price only covered a single entrée and did not include a band and several other expenses that are included in the $60. We have already contracted with the band from this year’s Red Sash Ball for next year’s RSB. This action was based on the tremendously positive comments we received regarding the band.
In order to make next year’s RSB and 110th anniversary the best they can be, we are providing each member with eight (8) instead of six (6) tickets to the RSB. Last year, our plan included setting aside $150 from each member’s dues for this year AND 2020. New and reinstated members for 2020 will pay an extra $150 for last year to help provide the extra funds to cover the extra two (2) tickets. The members present at the meeting unanimously voted to approve these plans.
We have established three (3) levels of support for advertisement in the program for the RSB. They are Platinum at $2,500, Gold at $1,500, and Silver at $1,000. Martin’s has subscribed to the Platinum level and we are working on sponsorship for the other two levels. Additionally, there will be opportunities for advertisement in the program we will prepare for the RSB. Information will be sent out in early January that will expand on advertisement and congratulatory comments you and other BBC friends may wish to purchase. I am working with Martin’s CEO and Sr. VP on special features and additional discounting for the RSB. I will not spoil the surprise by telling you what we are working on. Trust me!!
Please save the following dates:
Initiation Ball End of Feb thru the Middle of Mar (date pending)
Summer Outing Sunday, Jul 19, 2020 at Martin’s Crosswinds (firm date)
Red Sash Ball Friday, Oct 30, 2020 at Martin’s Crosswinds (firm date)
Annual Meeting Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020 at the Sphinx Club (pending)
The Sphinx Club sold the rights to the room we normally use for the Initiation Ball to a hotel. As a results, we are looking for a suitable place that can accommodate 200 people. Primary efforts are for a location in DC. We have at least two potential locations and expect to finalize the location and date by the end of this month. We are negotiating now to get a price similar to prices at the Sphinx Club.
Finally, membership dues ($1,000) must be paid by Jan 31, 2020 to avoid a $50 late fee. Applications for membership and reinstatement are also due by this date which WILL NOT be extended. Contact our Treasurer, Brother Ira Carr for specific information.