Report on IOOF Goals Reached for 2007
Focus on Fellowship, Fraternity and Fun
- Start the New Year with a New Energy and New Spirit: Installation Dinner in early January and Gala Grand Opening of the refurbished Lodge Hall in late January or early February.
The January installation dinner (at Sudwerk) was well-attended by 30 Odd Fellows, followed the ritual for installation, and was a great success. We presented several awards to outstanding members. The “Gala Grand Opening” of the Lodge Hall was delayed till March, but over 150 folks attended this great event and were impressed with our new Hall.
- Schedule a three-degree day for our new members in February or March. Afford initiated members the opportunity to achieve all three degrees and be eligible to serve as appointed or elected officers of the Lodge.
In 2007, we have held THREE initiatory degree ceremonies (run by Captain Leslie Patti), and we also held a three-degree day. THIRTEEN members achieved their three degrees on our three-degree day, an all-time record.
- Bring in at least four new members to the Lodge in 2007. Focus on quality and diversity, not quantity. Sponsors of members should expect, in the future, to serve as mentors to those new members.
We have FAR exceeded out goal – and at year end we have EIGHTY-ONE members and FIVE more awaiting initiation in 2008. By my last count, we have initiated TWENTY new members in 2007. That’s got to be a record for the Davis IOOF.
- Increase commitment to Good Fellowship with the appointment of a Special Fellowship Committee. Increase social interaction with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. prior to our monthly business meetings.
We have appointed a Good Fellowship Committee, the committee has met, and has already started the “fun and games.” We have started our social hour prior to business meetings, and we had a “fun night” at the Lodge just for Odd Fellows. The committee (chaired by Barbara Geisler) has big plans for 2008.
- Co-host at least three joint fundraisers at the Lodge Hall with three deserving community groups.
On March 17 our Community Support Committee (chaired by Lea Rosenberg) facilitated an event at the Hall for Progress Ranch. In May we co-host an event with CASA, in June we co-hosted an event with Yolo Hospice, and in October we hosted a third event to benefit Suicide Prevention of Yolo County. A VERY active committee! And at each of our events we have had over 20 IOOF volunteers. We have facilitated the raising of over $50,000 – directly and indirectly - for community groups in 2007.
- Increase Lodge Hall rentals 100% over 2005.
Interest in the newly remodeled Lodge Hall has never been so high. In 2005, Hall rentals brought in $1,800. In the first 6 months of 2007 alone, Hall rentals brought in over $13,000, exceeding our goal. By year’s end, our rentals have not just increased by 100% - they have increased by 1000%.
- Increase communications between officers and trustees by the hosting of joint officer-trustee meetings. Increase communications with and between members. Use web site to aid communication. Post member bio’s and photos on “member only” page of web site. Host one or more joint events with the Rebekah Lodge.
We have had a formal joint meeting of the Officers and Trustees. Our e-mail communications have increased. Our web site (organized by Richard Yamagata) has never been better, although our posting of member bio’s and photos is still in the works.
- Increase participation by members through full appointment to Lodge positions and Lodge committees.
For the first time in anyone’s memory, we have filled all committees and all Lodge officer positions. We have created three new committees which are fully active: Bingo Committee, Music and Concert Committee and Good Fellowship Committee.
- Increase use of Lodge ritual through formal Lodge business meetings at least six times.
Our first formal, ritual meeting of the year occurred on March 28, within days of the grand re-opening of the Lodge. Several more formal ritual meetings were held. We have box ballot voted on new members, in accordance with IOOF ritual, and we have conducted three initiatory degrees and one three-degree day in accordance with Lodge ritual.
- Explore Bingo at the Lodge Hall as a possible IOOF fundraiser and community activity.
Our Bingo Committee (chaired by Mike Jensen) has launched Bingo run by the Lodge. The City of Davis has approved the Odd Fellows to run Bingo (the first such approval in city history). We have run Second Sunday Bingo at the Lodge Hall since the Fall. Bingo could become a big fundraiser for the Lodge which will provide us the opportunity for more good works in the community.
- Increase IOOF visibility in the community.
The visibility of Odd Fellows in the community has never been higher. We make sure that our events (Breakfast with Santa, Gala Grand Opening, Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast, Bingo, etc.) are well publicized.
- Continue to host Breakfast with Santa – now at the Lodge Hall – in December.
Breakfast with Santa on December 1, at the Lodge Hall, was a huge success with 3 seatings serving 300 children and families. THIRTY-THREE Odd Fellows volunteered and helped on this fun event.
Best,
Dave Rosenberg
Noble Grand 2007 & 2008
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