President-Elect Mark Killingsworth presided over today’s meeting. Mark also gave today’s invocation and Joe Bost led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark Killingworth served as our greeter today.
Mike McPhail thanked those who volunteered to help with today’s meeting. Keith and Carolyn Horne were visiting Rotarians from the Ellisville Club.
Mark noted that we do not have a speaker for today’s meeting and asked that club members spend the remaining time discussing possible fundraising ideas. The fundraising committee has suggested the club put together an annual, signature event such as bingo. Members discussed this possibility and outlined what some of the needs would be to make the event successful.
It was determined that we would need a good caller. Someone who could keep the crowd entertained between games. It was suggested that we provide food and beverage, perhaps goodie bags for players and good prizes for winners. There was consensus that a silent auction might not be a good idea with a bingo event.
Several potential venues were mentioned for the event. The most inexpensive of those is the Jackie Dole Community Center in downtown Hattiesburg. Lynn Walton confirmed that the center is available on Tuesday evening, January 28. Bingo hours are suggested to be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., noting that it is a school night and parents will want to make it an early evening. Mardi Gras is February 25, 2020. It was proposed that the club consider a Mardi Gras theme.
Ticket prices were discussed but the consensus is to wait until the expenses are all identified before ticket prices are set. It was noted that we will have to purchase or lease the equipment necessary to conduct a bingo game. The event will also have to be advertised, tickets printed, a caterer identified, and security costs determined. When asked for a show of hands, almost 100% of those in attendance agreed that we should pursue this event.
It was also noted that the club could participate in the Pine Belt Community Foundation’s one-half marathon. Our club would sponsor a mile of the marathon and the find runners from other clubs within our district who would race and find sponsors for their mile. Apparently, all the miles are secured for the next race. If the club is interested, we should try and get on the list for a future race.
Mark thanked those who attended today and then adjourned the meeting with our motto, “Service Above Self.”