In my condominium community, a group of us formed a Culture Club that is comprised of thirty members with ten very active souls. The Club is only seven years young and has been instrumental in fundraising a few times per year, whereby some of the proceeds are donated to aid the people in third world countries, mainly Dar fur and Haiti. This is usually done through a reputable relief organization that matches our funds.
With the exception of July and August, the Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm and discusses the Club’s activities including upcoming events. On the last Friday of each month, members of the Club get together for a night of fun and games; a variety of games are played, including dominoes, scrabble, checkers and poke no. Also, every three months, members of the Club meet at a restaurant and celebrate those members’ birthdays that fall within that three-month period. And at Christmas, with the excitement of the holidays, the members dine at a restaurant and exchange gifts using the “Secret Santa” method. Club dues are collected during the month of April of each year.
For the past two years, the Club, with its meager proceeds, has sponsored a family of three [a couple and one son] in Haiti. Every three months, a stipend is wired directly to the family and we are proud to report that the situation of the family has greatly improved; they have moved into better housing and the child has been attending school – all this is due to the small help they receive from our Club. Pictures and letters tell the happy story.
Each February, we have our “Annual Carnival Dance;” a fundraiser which is always supported by mostly residents of the Condominium Community. Dinner and raffle tickets are usually sold and prizes are raffled. This event is kept in the spaciously renovated Reception Hall. Tables are set-up to accommodate the anticipated number of people attending. A live band is retained to provide music for dancing. The Hall is usually decorated “Carnival style” with a kaleidoscope of colorful attractions. The menu is comprised of a variety of delicious culture cuisine, and two servers are hired to help serve food; drinks are always plentiful at the self-service bar. Recently the Club hosted its seventh Annual Carnival Dance and it was a huge success. After expenses, the Club netted a fair dollar amount, which will be added to the treasury. A check will be sent to the relief organization we have partnered with that is responsible for matching our donation and they, in turn, will forward a check to the charity of our choice.
On Memorial Day, each year, we also host a barbecue fundraiser at one of the Community’s six pools. At that time, we collect clothing and several boxes are packed, sealed and picked-up by the relief organization that provided the boxes and is also responsible for their distribution to those third-world countries in dire need.
Then on Labor Day, each year, as a “Thank You” to all the faithful supporters of our fundraising campaigns, we host a “potluck get-together” at one of the community pools – complete with beautiful music. Supporters are invited to partake in the deliciously prepared meal. We always have a BLAST!!
After the earthquake that devastated Haiti, with the active help of some Club members, the Condominium Community raised a substantial amount of monies earmarked for the Haitian Earthquake Relief Program.
So, although our Culture Club members are few in numbers, they make a difference ― standing ten feet tall with what they are able to accomplish.
I am delighted to be an active member of this very meaningful Culture Club.
With the exception of July and August, the Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm and discusses the Club’s activities including upcoming events. On the last Friday of each month, members of the Club get together for a night of fun and games; a variety of games are played, including dominoes, scrabble, checkers and poke no. Also, every three months, members of the Club meet at a restaurant and celebrate those members’ birthdays that fall within that three-month period. And at Christmas, with the excitement of the holidays, the members dine at a restaurant and exchange gifts using the “Secret Santa” method. Club dues are collected during the month of April of each year.
For the past two years, the Club, with its meager proceeds, has sponsored a family of three [a couple and one son] in Haiti. Every three months, a stipend is wired directly to the family and we are proud to report that the situation of the family has greatly improved; they have moved into better housing and the child has been attending school – all this is due to the small help they receive from our Club. Pictures and letters tell the happy story.
Each February, we have our “Annual Carnival Dance;” a fundraiser which is always supported by mostly residents of the Condominium Community. Dinner and raffle tickets are usually sold and prizes are raffled. This event is kept in the spaciously renovated Reception Hall. Tables are set-up to accommodate the anticipated number of people attending. A live band is retained to provide music for dancing. The Hall is usually decorated “Carnival style” with a kaleidoscope of colorful attractions. The menu is comprised of a variety of delicious culture cuisine, and two servers are hired to help serve food; drinks are always plentiful at the self-service bar. Recently the Club hosted its seventh Annual Carnival Dance and it was a huge success. After expenses, the Club netted a fair dollar amount, which will be added to the treasury. A check will be sent to the relief organization we have partnered with that is responsible for matching our donation and they, in turn, will forward a check to the charity of our choice.
On Memorial Day, each year, we also host a barbecue fundraiser at one of the Community’s six pools. At that time, we collect clothing and several boxes are packed, sealed and picked-up by the relief organization that provided the boxes and is also responsible for their distribution to those third-world countries in dire need.
Then on Labor Day, each year, as a “Thank You” to all the faithful supporters of our fundraising campaigns, we host a “potluck get-together” at one of the community pools – complete with beautiful music. Supporters are invited to partake in the deliciously prepared meal. We always have a BLAST!!
After the earthquake that devastated Haiti, with the active help of some Club members, the Condominium Community raised a substantial amount of monies earmarked for the Haitian Earthquake Relief Program.
So, although our Culture Club members are few in numbers, they make a difference ― standing ten feet tall with what they are able to accomplish.
I am delighted to be an active member of this very meaningful Culture Club.
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