MAY COURT CLUB OF CHATHAM
Serving Our Community since 1935
MEMBERSHIP
Last year was a banner year for adding 11 new members. This year we were unable to attract any new members. Our numbers stand at:
Active – 23, Associate – 14, Associate Life – 23, Honorary Life – 18, Inactive – 5 for a total of 83.
There are 4 “Friends of May Court” who assist with the breakfast and emergency lunch box programs.
Succession planning has continued to be an issue for our club.
FUNDRAISING
Bingo: This is our continuous source of revenue. Easy work for easy money! The number of bingo volunteers has grown to 15 members, taking turns for our 2 -3 monthly bingos. From July 2016 to present, our share is $6,138.28. Wendy Bloomfield convenes Bingo once again.
“Fran Crummer Memorial Walk-a-thon”: Our annual Walk-a-thon was held in September. Members walked along a beautiful walking path and raised $3431.00
“Women of Excellence” – Our inaugural women`s recognition ceremony was held May 2016. Five women, who originated in Chatham-Kent, were honoured in their category: 1. Arts, Culture, Education and Training 2. Business and Professionals 3. Community and Volunteerism 4. Health, Science and Technology 5.Young Woman (18-24) Excellence. This event raised $27,515.98 and was convened by Peggy Seaman.
“LIVE WELL 2017” – Another inaugural event, held January 14, was an all-day event focused entirely on women`s health and wellness. The day consisted of 5 mini fitness classes, 4 Keynote speakers, 29 Exhibitors, cooking demo, personal safety presentation, a delicious lunch and tons of giveaways. This sold-out event raised $18,000.00 but will increase due to a secondspinoff “Be Safe”, an evening session focusing on women`s personal and internet safety. LeeAnne Caldwell Polowick convened this highly successful community event.
“PAINTED HOUSE” – This will be our 4th PH event and is being convened by Ann Fisher. This fundraiser consists of uniquely painted furniture by local businesses and individuals, paintings donated by local artists, décor for the home and garden. This year`s theme is Rustic Country and Garden and will be held on Thursday, June 8. Tickets are $40 which includes appetizers. Tickets can be purchased from me or online through our FB page or website.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Our 2 service projects are:
Queen Elizabeth ll Public School breakfast program – This year the club is providing $5500.00 in food for the school as well as few members who help prepare and serve breakfast items to 60-80 students daily.
Emergency Lunch Box Program – Each month, this program supplies 26 local schools with nutritious food. Each school orders food based on their monthly needs. There are 15 committee members and operates on a budget of $23,800.00.
During the winter months, hats and mittens are supplied to the schools which request them. They are delivered along with ELB orders. We have 2 members and 1 friend of May Court who donate their knitted items for this purpose.
During our upcoming May meeting, we will hear suggestions compiled by our Research Convener to potentially add new service projects to our list.
FINANCIAL AID
After receiving requests, these agencies were granted funds:
ACCESS Open Minds CK - ACCESS Open Minds Chatham-Kent is a new mental health delivery program that aims to connect young Canadians aged 11 to 25 with mental health services. - $8000.00
Ontario Early Years Centres - $1,200.00
Agriculture in the Classroom - $500.00
Mental Health Network - $3,650.00
Total: $13,350.00
SOCIAL
We`ve been very fortunate to have LeeAnne Caldwell Polowick as our social convener for the last 3 years.She has brought a new dimension to the word “FUN”. Members have been treated to some fabulous social events filled with great food, laughter, prizes and entertainment. Members have been able to partake in a great selection of events: Year-end parties, Stratford play trip, Winemaker`s Wine Pairing Dinner Party at a local restaurant, Game afternoon, Christmas parties and the Spring Tea.
Submitted by Sue Cummings
Delegate
Convener of the ELB Program