North Fresno Rotary

DON HENDERSON acknowledged all visiting Rotarians and guests of Rotarians and segued into the “Were there any travelers this week” part of the meeting at which time he said “I happened to travel last week.” He entertained the membership and guests with the description of his trip with Linda to Surprise, Arizona. He had a wonderful time with friends and also enjoyed the tour/visit to Taliesin West, the international headquarters of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin West. But that’s not all DON did. He also joined his tennis club from Fresno’s Sierra Racket Club for a “Love Fest” no pun intended, and proceeded to play for a national championship. His division won but missed becoming national champions by just a match. DON’S tennis team was featured in the Fresno Bee so DON rang the bell for that and proceeded to ring the bell because the cigar he brought back to PREZ LOU was considered lame by the membership. A costly day for DON! No other travelers came forth after that…..

At 12:40pm the assembly began with PREZ LOU asking the group “What can we do to sell tickets and do we need two fundraisers a year?”

There were many comments and a bit of discussion throughout the next 50 minutes. It was lively and collegial as members took the mike to provide their input.

Regarding the question “Do we need two fundraisers a year?” It was mentioned that all monies from fundraisers provides the money the club uses for service. The club can exist without fundraisers but would not have the money for service. “Service before self.” That pretty much summed up the group’s feeling about having fundraisers. But which ones and how many?

The Pancake breakfast has a history with the NFR. It is now part of the fabric of Fresno in that the event is a highlight for so many. Fig Garden Village is generous and supportive of the club for this event. Many of the business owners provide donations. It will stay as a fundraiser. No one disagreed.

A member mentioned that fundraising is not just about raising money, but raising awareness of what the NFR does and a benefit of that is perhaps an increase in membership – fundraisers give NFR visibility.

Storyland and Jazz (S&J) was discussed at length. Is it the right fundraiser for our club? Is it worth the effort? Can we continue this effort considering ticket sales are a major issue? Will people come? Is it held at the right time of year or should we consider a different date? Is the park the right venue or should we move some of the festivities to the larger, grassy areas or out front near the parking lot?

The following remarks were made:

• Tickets are easy to sell. How committed are you to the club if you don’t make an effort to sell tickets? People have returned tickets unopened and this is a concern.

• Not everyone is comfortable selling tickets and this is perhaps a good thing as the club needs people who are interested in working at the event and contributing in other ways.

• The money is not the main issue. We need the attendance. The restaurant vendors expect a crowd as does the jazz band.

• The problem with ticket sales is not necessarily a lack of effort. Perhaps the event has passed its life expectancy and we need to move on. Perhaps we need to consider hiring an event planner to give us guidance. Let’s consider that if we want to make this event successful.

• Several members commented that they buy their tickets and give them as gifts to friends, family or clients. There are many ways to “sell” tickets.

• Maybe we’re not talking about the function so much as we’re talking about “why” we do this and if we can determine that we’ll be more motivated.

• So, is the timing of both events an issue for the club?

• Pancake breakfast dates are set for the club – can’t be changed

• Can S&J date be changed?

• Yes, it can be changed. It’s up to the club for the most part. It’s a complex event to put on. Maybe we consider changing the scope of the event.

• The club voted to form a committee to consider whether we need an event planner. The Chair is TED MARSELLA and Co-Chair is PAUL GIBSON.

• Is it location or price of tickets?

• How do we make the event more fun? Events with food as a focus do well, but the food has to be an attraction like the Cioppino fundraisers that are so popular.

• PREZ LOU asked “What would make it funner?” Members threw out ideas, such as less pasta, more seafood, venue should be easier to get around for those who might need assistance, does jazz sell or do we need something hipper or add a DJ, add a stage, add a car show, change format of evening…all great ideas tossed around.

• In summary of the discussion: Let’s save the event! Let’s look for ways to improve upon it! All members are encouraged to send emails for suggestions to the PREZ.

CHIP PUTNAM handed out “Save the Date” postcards for members to mail out immediately. I think the decision of the meeting is that all members would be expected to sell 5 tickets each (someone correct me, if wrong).

SUBMITTED BY SHANNON STINER (I make no claim to 100% accuracy in the above!) 