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Posted by: Kate on 04/28/2007 03:15 AM
Updated by: Kate on 04/28/2007 04:45 AM
Expires: 01/01/2012 12:00 AM
Draft Minutes for Thursday, April 26, 2007
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Veterans Memorial Foundation Committee Meeting Minutes
April 26, 2007
Chairman Larry Davison called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm with the Pledge of Alligence (led by Bill Gilmer) to our US Flag and a prayer.
Those present:Larry Davison
Bill Gilmer
Jeff Benko
David Kilpatrick
Vinnie Williams
Ed Kennedy
Matt Alexander
Kate McDaniel Those Absent:Don Walter
Jim Alexander
Mike Ginn
David Williams
Beth Gilmer
Guests: Army Lt Commander Bob Merritt
The minutes for the March 22, 2007 meeting were approved in a motion by Jeff Benko and seconded by David Kilpatrick.
REPORTS FROM THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES
1. Memorial Committee
Chairman Don Walter was absent and no report was given.
2. Finance Committee
Chairman Matt Alexander dispersed a copy of the finances.
Deposits:On 4/11 a check from the Oconee Enterprise for $50 was deposited. On or after April 11, a $500 deposit from various donations was made. Withdrawals:Since the last meeting, a withdrawal of $250 was made to the Oconee Civic Center to reserve the Banquet Hall for the Thursday, November 8, 2007 GALA event. A $50 withdrawal was made to set up an account on the internet for direct donations. A check for $200 from the Lions Club was given to him tonight.
The balance is now $53,510.30 + $200 = $53,710.30
Note: Matt paid for the State Registration Fee and the Post Office Box rental which he stated was his contribution.
3. Fundraising Committee
Chairperson Beth Gilmer was absent with health problems. Bill stated that she might be absent for awhile but would return.
Civic Center Banquet Hall Reservation
Kate McDaniel reported the details of the reservation made since the last meeting for the Oconee Civic Center from 5 pm to 10 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2007 and subsequently, a deposit check of $250 was made. Other cost to be borne are table covers ($ ), napkins ($1 each), 50 tables ($10 per person with 8 at each table= $400) and dance floor ($200). These items can be called in to the center 2 weeks prior to the date when there is a more accurate count of the number of reservations.
Tables with Cooperate Sponsors
Jeff Benko will work with the Chamber to obtain cooperate sponsors of tables. Ed Kennedy made motion and Kate McDaniel seconded to set a price of $1000 each for the tables and $100 for the individual tickets. A cooperation may sponsor more than one table.
GALA Affordability for the Average Citizen
The question came up that there are many citizens who would wish to attend the GALA but could not afford the $100 per person. Vinnie Williams, Kate McDaniel and Bill Gilmer were concerned that the GALA would be too expensive for the mother or father that lost a son in a particular war or that has a son serving today and would be locked out of a ticket. David Kilpatrick voiced that the goal of the GALA is fundraising and our target attendees are those that can donate big money and that the price is right. Jeff Benko suggested that we have a B-B-Q somewhere around July 4th for the average folks and charge between $5 and $10. Everyone agreed that we need 2 different events. A July 4th event will be discussed at a later meeting.
5K Fun Run
The guest, Lt Commander Bob Merritt, a member of the Oconee Lions Club suggested that a fun 5K run could be planned with the B-B-Q. He also suggested that in a fundraising letter to the public, an opportunity be given for those people who want engraved bricks to reserve one.
Featured Speaker
Next on the list of necessary items was a speaker that would be a good draw for the evening. First a list of featured speakers was compiled: The group suggested the names in the following order: (1) Former Gov and a Marine, Zell Miller, (2) Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, (3) General Poythrees, Head of the National Guard, (4) Pete Wheeler, President of Georgia Veterans, and (5) John Gentry, Iraq War Veteran. If the first name on the list cannot commit to be the featured speaker, the next person would be asked. Everyone agreed that John Gentry, being a native of Oconee County and having served as late as last year in Iraq, be named the Master of Ceremony. Chairman Davison agreed to contact each of them, except Pete Wheeler, by the next meeting. Bill Gilmer said he would contact Pete Wheeler after he learns the results of Davison’s efforts. It was agreed that if an invited guest could not attend as the featured speaker that he would be asked to make a short video (no more than 2 minutes) to play at the GALA and a donation.
Artist Shaw WWII Painting
Next was the discussion of the WWII Shaw painting which Jeff Benko retrieved from his office to show the group the framing that Ms Vinnie Williams had arranged to have done. This particular painting was the one that Mr Shaw took from his vault valued between $2500 and $3000 because it had all the original signatures of military leaders and brave men who are now deceased. Some had received the Flying Cross and Medals of Honor. Mr Bill Baker, artist Shaw’s father-in-law, gave his painting to the Foundation also. Both will be auctioned at the GALA.
Jeff was given a show of appreciation for his tireless and constant interaction with the artist, John Shaw and his father-in-law, Bill Baker concerning the WWII paintings. Even though, in the beginning, some controversy had been expressed by all concerned, Jeff, in the end has brokered a final agreement that is a win-win for everybody. His efforts are appreciated by the members.
Live Auction
After some discussion, Chairman Davison suggested that the paintings be auctioned by a live auctioneer. Several names surfaced: David Kilpatrick said that he would contact John Breffle, a local auctioneer. Other auctioneers mentioned were: John Carter, Russ Page. The group also agreed to have a Silent Auction with gifts of smaller value on the table for anyone to bid on during the night.
The program was discussed but no definite decisions made except to invite a prominent speaker and tie that down early for the November date. Securing a band that could play patriotic music was mentioned and Ed Kennedy agreed to contact John Berry, a local, but well known singer who could be asked to sing “I’m Proud to be an American.” John Gentry was suggested as the Master of Ceremony; videos of absent prominent individuals would be played; the silent auction would continue during the evening and the live auction would be the highlight with several valuable items to offer.
The Menu
Several members told of their experience with catered meals. Several entrees were mentioned: fish, steak, chicken. Ed Kennedy’s son is a local caterer and Ed was going to contact him for suggestions and prices. Jeff Benko mentioned that Larry Benson and the Holiday Inn would probably give us a good meal at a reasonable price. Tom Little was also suggested as a possibility. At the next meeting, information will be available to decide on the caterer and a menu.
Invitations
Matt Alexander and Chairman Davison and Jim Alexander are going to get together before the next meeting and come up with a prototype fundraising letter (with attractive letterhead) and also the design for an invitation to the GALA for the members to discuss and decide on a date of completion and mailing. Both the fundraising letter and the invitation should be very professional with a patriotic theme.
Decorations
Kate remarked that salesmanship was not her forte, but that she would agree to coordinate the decorations (entrance, tables, podium, etc.).
4. Publicity
Bill suggested that he and Vinnie would meet after tonight’s meeting and plan an article for the Oconee Enterprise. As we get nearer to the date, other media will be used to alert the public.
5. Old Business
Matt agreed to purchase a tape recorder for the Foundation to be used to record proceedings of the official meeting of the Foundation.
6. New Business
None.
Next Meeting is May 24, 2007
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectively submitted for approval,
Kate McDaniel
Secretary OCVMF (Oconee County Veterans Memorial foundation)
April 24, 2007
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