It’s hard to believe that the Foundation, the sustainable fund-raising program first discussed in the 2014 Chapter installation banquet, is now in its fifth year, and we are holding our fourth fund-raising gala. Your response to our call for support has been most encouraging, and is making our mission successful.
In the past year there have been some changes that will make us stronger and more successful in executing our mission to support the Ambassadors of Harmony, given the changes in the way the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) now operates. Most significantly, the Foundation has a new President. In Spring of 2019 Alan Freed was invited to take over the leadership of the Foundation. Alan not only has a background in music, but also has experience in leadership roles on other non-profit boards. He is an attorney with Paule, Camazine and Blumenthal, and has been recognized as a ‘top attorney’ in his field of divorce and mediation. There are other changes happening with Board members and that information will be made available when completed.
Again this past year the Foundation participated in the funding of the Acappellooza Summer music camp to the tune of over $22,000. The support for the registrations and other student-related needs for this event continues to be the primary expense for the Foundation. We are now also supporting the youth chorus (the Recruits) which is also part of the AOH chapter of the BHS. The Recruits have been very successful in their efforts to maintain the leadership of our chapter choruses, actually winning the Central States District Mixed Chorus competition their first time competing. They are currently preparing to go to Dortmund, Germany to the BinG! World Mixed Chorus competition in April, and thanks to your contributions, the Foundation is a big part of that.
A search is underway for additional resources for the Board, resources who can bring certain expertise to the table to help us ensure our viability going forward. Financial Planning expertise is among the most urgent needs. The Foundation is on sound footing, but needs to execute some leapfrog development objectives in order to continue to keep pace with the youth-oriented initiatives of the chapter, and to support all (both) the choruses of the chapter in maintaining their leadership roles within the Society.
Michael Rubin
Secretary/Treasurer