As given by: Stacey Gibbs Steinberg,
77’ President, Andrews Alumnae
Association
Welcome to
our 99th Annual Founder’s Day Banquet and Mrs. Andrews 164th
Birthday Celebration.
Tonight, we
are not only honoring the birthday of Mrs. Andrews, but also the classes of
1960 and 1985 for their 50th and 25th anniversaries.
Stephanie
Parish has a dual role tonight; she is representing her class of 1985 and is
the chairperson of tonight’s banquet. Thank you.
Also, in
attendance are five special individuals that deserve recognition for their eternal
Founders Day Banquet dedication:
Ø
Doris
Sewell Martin, 36’
Ø
Catherine
Parker Rippin, 38’
Ø
Dorothy
Sanzobrino McCreary, 39’
Ø
Ronnie
Roerig Wilson, 42’
Ø
Rose
Basta Keefe, ‘44
To all of
you, thank you for braving the weather and joining us again tonight.
They say,
when one door closes, another one opens with an abundant amount of
opportunities.
As our
beloved Andrews moves forward, so must we, the Andrews Alumnae Association
(AAA). It is wonderful to see 120
alumnae in attendance tonight for what will be our last Founders Day
Banquet. Yes, the time has come when
this door must close, however, in September a new door will be opening to
Founders’ Day/Legacy Reunion Weekend, creating a new tradition.
With the
changing financial times, it is necessary we make the Founders’ Day/Legacy
Reunion Weekend the heart for alumnae camaraderie and business.
Our first
Legacy Fundraiser was in September 2000.
During the past nine years this benefit has continued to grow and evolve
into Legacy Reunion Weekend. This past September Legacy Weekend proved to be a
winning combination in reuniting over 100 alums from all over the globe and
accomplishing our Andrews Osborne Academy (AOA) “Legacy” scholarship goals.
The monies
raised from the Legacy Fundraiser Luncheon, allowed AAA to award five eligible
students $1,000.00 scholarships for the 2009-10 school year. This is an outstanding achievement during
this recessionary time.
During the past five years,
in addition to granting annual scholarships, the AAA has been successful in
contributing to the following AOA causes:
2005: Refurbished
the Dinning Room table legs and pedestals.
Total Cost:
$15,000.00
2007: Hosted a dorm shower to revamp window
treatments and household furnishings.
The Phoenix House was
also part of this redecoration project.
Total Cost:
$8,000.00
Participated in the Susan A.
Dickinson (74’), library restoration project.
Gifted Amount:
$25,000.00
Every
June: AAA Hosts the Sing Out ceremony dessert reception.
If
you are interested in donating baked goods, please sign your name on the Sign
up Sheet provided on each table or advise an AAA board member.
The
Association has nearly 3,000 members with an
Alumnae Board consisting of sixteen members. Monthly meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of
each month excluding June and July. In
2009, only 300 active members paid the annual $15.00 alumnae dues. Total
dollars collected was a mere $4,500 out of the possibility of $45,000. This equates to only 10% of our potential
membership. I am sure you would agree this is not a desirable percentage.
For those
who have already paid their 2010 dues. Thank you very much. If you have not paid your 2010 dues, for your
convenience an envelope has been provided in everyone’s handout. Please complete and leave on table.
Our annual
printing and mailing expenses alone exceed $10,000. To help offset costs, continue the momentum
in reconnecting alums and keeping up with cyber times the AAA has developed two
on-line communication vehicles.
First: The Andrews Alumnae Association
website.
Second: We can be found on Facebook, search
on the profile The Andrews Alumnae Association and become
a fan. Note: In creating your profile,
please indicate high school as “Andrews
School” not “Andrews High School”.
As
discussed, in order to keep AAA effectively active, it cannot be stressed
enough, why it is so important we focus our attentions and increase
participation with the Legacy Fundraiser.
So, I
respectfully ask, as we the AAA with heavy hearts close the traditional
Founders Day Banquet door, that you with excitement follow and support us in
September and walk thru the new door to Founders’ Day/Legacy Reunion
Weekend.
Lastly, everyone
please raise your glass. I would like to
make a toast to Mrs. Andrews, 164th birthday, without her vision
none of us would be here tonight.
Thank you
Mrs. Andrews your legacy will never be forgotten and we will continue to honor
you at Founders’ Day/Legacy Reunion Weekend.
Enjoy
tonight’s celebration and look forward to seeing you in September.
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