Happy Holidays to All
I know this year has not been easy. I hope with everything, that you have been able to turn to your LPGA Amateur Dallas Chapter sisters for some socially-distanced golf outings, laughter, shoulders to lean on, and just a sliver of normalcy.
What a year our Chapter has had. We started the year with 154 members and a TON of momentum for the year ahead. No one would have ever guessed at our Kickoff Event in February what the following month(s) had in store. Even with the pandemic, we welcomed 74 new members this year. That is incredible! With all of that, though, we are ending the year at just over 154 members. But, to put it into perspective, the entire organization’s membership through November was down 14% (from 12,464 to 10,753 members). The Dallas Chapter is the largest Texas chapter. All other Texas chapters were down EXCEPT FOR Fort Worth who had an amazing year of growth – increasing membership through November from 39 to 62 members! Congratulations Fort Worth!! The Dallas Chapter implemented measures over the year that I strongly believe will help with retention – BFF’s, new member promotions to encourage involvement, regular new member orientations, more golf education and clinics, enhanced communications, a Board position solely dedicated to existing members/retention, and, in my (OK, biased) opinion, the greatest Board ever to serve YOU. Also, we have you as a Chapter Ambassador – encourage your friends to join today!
We are looking forward to an awesome 2021. Cindi Haugh and Chalanda Sherman have some wonderful ideas and are working hard on a robust Event Calendar coming soon.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
While reflecting back on what an awesome year we had despite the obstacles we faced, keep in mind it took a great deal of volunteer time from the wonderful ladies on the Board AND super members who volunteered through the year. If you are appreciative of what the Chapter has offered to you, PLEASE GIVE BACK. Below are some ways you can help.
2021 KICKOFF SILENT AUCTION – We are planning our 2021 Kickoff for March 13, 2021. With the world we are in today, all plans are fluid at the moment. Regardless of what we have planned, we WILL have a silent auction. Our Kickoff fundraiser is how we fund our year of wonderful events, giveaways, and prizes. Let’s just say we made Maribeth (the keeper of the money) nervous this year as we were busy finding ways to spend our money to give back to members…and that we did. So it's time to raise money for 2021.
This year, in addition to the Board working on getting items donated to our silent auction, I am reaching out to you and other members to help us pull together donated items to auction and raffle off.
- Do you have a craft or skill that you can use to make something to donate? Or a service that you can donate?
- Do you work for a Company that is willing to donate something (an experience, merchandise, service etc.)?
- Do you have a relative or friend who fits in the above categories that you can ask for a donation?
- Do you have a favorite salon or shop you frequent that you can get a donation from?
- Think outside of the box here ladies. Let’s DO this.
One thing to note to those from which you are seeking donated items; let them know that this is a great form of marketing for their business/products. Please email me with donation ideas or commitments at presidentlpgaamateursdallas@gmail.com. I would like to have our committed donations identified by January 31, 2021.
BFF’s – we REALLY need more ladies to step up to volunteer to be a Best Fairway Friend (“BFF”). It’s a very minor commitment; just reaching out to a new member assigned to you, welcoming her to the chapter and playing with her a time or two. I think it would be great to have some of our newer members sign up to do so. Having recently gone through it, you know exactly what would help a new member feel more welcome and acclimated to the Chapter. Please email Cindy Schroeder at membershiplpgaamateursdallas@gmail.com to volunteer as a BFF TODAY.
BOARD COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS – as previously mentioned, we have the majority of our Board positions rolling off this year and we need to focus on succession planning so that our Chapter doesn’t miss a beat. To do so, we are seeking volunteers to serve on committees/assist in areas that interest you; marketing, membership, golf events and programs, communications or finance. Again, we would like newer members to consider this, also. Something to put on a resume, too! Please email me at presidentlpgaamateursdallas@gmail.com with your interest.
In closing, I want to thank all of you for being a part of this Chapter. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Stay safe and enjoy your holidays. See you in 2021!
Warmest Regards,
Lisa
