B & A
Scholarship proceeds at $65,000 and counting for the 2008
Book and Author Benefit Luncheon
The Frances Carter Coburn Scholarship Fund, Christamore House Guild, and our 2008 Book & Author Benefit Committee have been truly blessed this year. It all began when Annette Davis and Jennifer Oatess, on Author Selection, received confirmation of these five, distinguished, award-winning authors: Peter Carey, Hillary Jordan, Sue Miller, T. Jefferson Parker and Cokie Roberts. And then, providing an attractive offering for young readers, Heather Bohman, founder of Etta’s Book Club joined in. Sue Wilson, Sue Welch and Jennifer Morris, in Book Sales, report that 2008 is a banner year as almost 90% of the 1,750 books ordered were sold!
With the help of our new guild website, developed and launched by Tom Britt and Jane Smith, Ann Hilger’s Christamore Capers newsletter, and publicity managed Shele French, we were able to get the word out early. Upon mailing the beautiful luncheon invitations, designed and printed by Jill Huse, we were sold out, in less than five days, for a total of 951 luncheon patrons. This quickly put into play our new database, and much activity with the data team of Lani Thompson, Tina Rasmussen, and Marianne Marsh. Management of turning this data into confirmed luncheon seats fell to the very capable hands of Susan Buroker and Karen Semler, whose efforts in Reservations & Invitations this year were truly heroic.
Organizing committee communications and meetings during our 2007/2008 Book & Author journey were Jaime Nekoomaram and Cindy Freudenberg. Meanwhile,
Deb Wharton had crafted an impeccable Author Reception evening at the elegant home graciously offered by Rick and Shannon Rezek. Reception attendance was high, and all enjoyed the wit of Reid Duffy, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Throughout the event Anna Spitznogle choreographed an excellent, enjoyable, and adhered-to schedule for all of our authors. Kim Hardin, Jennifer Oatess, Mary Klein, Linda Lucas, Jane Smith, and Annette Davis delighted our authors in their roles as hostesses.
In addition to the good-fortune already mentioned, Kim Colby’s magnificent gift of 960 Vera Bradley book totes was breath-taking. Numerous luncheon guests described receiving their Vera Bag as “the icing on the cake”. As stated earlier, we have certainly been blessed.
New this year, and with significant help from Becky Schenck, Tim Savonia, and the Indianapolis Zoo, we offered the Shuttle Service Parking Option. Reservations were available via mail-in or on-line process. All reports from those who took advantage of the Shuttle Service were glowing. Managing numbers for the shuttle option, and keeping an eye on all financials, budgets and expenses this year was our superb treasurer, Elaine Howard. Elaine reports preliminary figures of $65,000 in net scholarship funds.
Pulling everything together in order to produce one of the most successful luncheons in our history, was the job of Jenny Aderman. Jenny is grateful to all of the guild’s first year members who came to the Roof early on Friday morning to assist her. As the doors opened to the public, a fantastic, new PowerPoint program began to play. Liz Calkins donated many hours toward its production and the program turned out wonderfully.
We would like to express special thanks to Missy Rhodes for joyfully keeping all 70+ of us guild members moving forward in a synchronized manner. And, our best wishes go to Annette Davis & Liz Calkins who will no doubt orchestrate an outstanding Book & Author Benefit for April 17, 2009.
Many thanks to all of you who helped us,
help others,
help themselves.
Co-Chairs, 2008 Book & Author Benefit
