Rotary Club of Trail
Christmas Party 2001
Final Report - Raymond Masleck

The last luncheon meeting before Christmas is traditionally a party to which members invite their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Rotaryanns are also invited, most, but not all of whom, are spouses. The organizational tasks are:
o Get a budget figure from Douwe. Santa suit, presents, and possibly 1-2 lunches for outside volunteers have been the only expenses in the past.
o Bring carol sheets. If the Trail Times is publishing one, you can use it. This year, Wayne Hakanson, prepared and printed a consolidated booklet with the lyrics of seven songs. This was more convenient. Bulk copies of both are included with this report.
o Arrange for a piano player. This year Wayne invited Marlene Rusnell (368-3658) to play. Cathy Brown (368-9437) would have played but she was out of town. Buy lunch for the accompanist. Also, needed is a strong singer to lead the sessions. Bruce Fawcett has done this in the past.
oGet a count of how many kids and guests are coming. Find out if the party falls on a school day, as this will affect the veracity of the count. Remind the members two weeks in advance so they can check with their people and have a count for the meeting the week before the party. This year we had about 80 members and guests, including about 30 children who were given gifts. Children are charged a few bucks less for lunch. Check with Douwe ands caterer.
o Book pasta luncheon with Riverbelle and provide estimate of attendance.
o presents for children. Wayne spent $144 this year for about 30 kids. Most of the gifts came from the Dollar Store downtown and the rest from Buck or Two at the mall. He and his wife wrapped them, but in the past they have simply gone into a paper bag with a ribbon around them. If exchange students coming, get a little something more appropriate for them.
o Get a volunteer Santa. Scott Daniels did it this year, RCMP community police coordinator George Braitwaite the previous year. If Santa is a guest, buy him lunch. Usher him out when carol singing starts so he can dress in staff washroom and be ready to deliver gifts.
oBook Santa suit. We have rented from Pat Witt (367-9495). Cost is $35-$40 plus refundable deposit. Forrest Drinnan picked up and returned suit. Paid cash and was reimbursed by Douwe.

RECOMMENDATION: One or two Rotarians have suggested their children get too much at Christmas and they would prefer the club involved them in a giving experience with the money budgeted for presents. This idea should be considered by the club service committee before this year's party. (Betty Anne Marino was one of the people to make this suggestion.)