The East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association met Monday night, in part, to discuss an all-class alumni party and fundraiser in August.
According to minutes of the meeting provided by Candace Visage Bell, the group’s secretary, the party is tentatively scheduled for the third week in August.
On Friday, there will be a live auction, silent auction with a professional comedy team who are Pioneer alums, and a guest speaker at dinner. On Saturday a golf tournament would be held during the day and that night there would be a party at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. That event would include a cash bar, social hour, hors d’oeuvres, a comedy routine followed by music from a DJ.
The ticket price proceeds, auction proceeds and dinner proceeds would all go in the fundraising for the association’s contribution in building new facilities at East Ridge High.
Discussion about another fundraising effort was met with some enthusiasm, the minutes state. The group would create a graphic showing the various grids for the status of funds raised. For example, if another $5,000 is raised, then that would be represented by 10 more yards on the football field, or one for the dressing room, or one more restroom, etc. This would be used as a momentum builder so the community, contributors and supporters could see progress being made.
It was reported that the alumni association has filed for its non-profit status. That status is pending IRS approval. Plans for a community-wide May fundraiser will have to be put on hold, as corporate sponsorships are contingent upon the group having the non-profit status.
Bobby Hudgens, the association’s president, has distributed fundraising posters to East Ridge businesses on Ringgold Road. The exception being national chain stores whose policies prohibit such.
The minutes also state the the alumni association is seeking all contact information from all graduating classes from ERHS. Myra Rosser is creating a master list.
The next East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 4 at 7 p.m., in the East Ridge High School library. Anyone interested in joining the group is invited to attend.
