2015 Membership Drive and 2014 Review

As we look at 2014 passing in our rear view mirror, the time has come to present our accomplishments in the past year and recruit new members for 2015.  In the review below, are the activities that the Galion Alumni Association participated in during 2014.  It is through our memberships that we are able to contribute financially and physically to alumni activities involving the Galion City Schools and the Galion Community. Thank you for your choosing to support the Galion Alumni Association.

 In 2014, there were 144 dues paying members, of which 71 were Lifetime Members.  Lifetime Memberships have increased by two this year.  Most of those that are Annual Members have been loyal members through the existence of the organization. We, as an organization, greatly appreciate the loyalty of our current members and encourage the participation of these members to become actively involved in the activities of the organization.  Would you please consider becoming a dues paying member for 2015.  For local members we encourage participation by becoming a member of the Board of Directors and participating in the activities of the Alumni Association.  There is always the opportunity for all to relay suggestions for activities that would appeal to you.

2014 saw the Galion Alumni Association continue to pursue opportunities to aid in building a better school system and community.  We have been involved in providing funds for small projects that benefit current students and recognize the contributions of Galion Graduates. Some of those efforts are covered below.

Galion Alumni Association

2014 In Review

The Alumni Association held two fund raisers during 2014. A Wine Tasting and Silent Auction were held on March 8, 2014. This event was held at the Galion Country Club from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and featured South American wines paired with foods that might be served with each wine.  This years event was well attended and brings high expectations for the 2015 event.  Proceeds from this event were a part of a donation to the Galion City Schools Campus wear fund. This fund provides vouchers to aid less fortunate families for clothing that meets school dress code requirements.  We will be holding the 2015 Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 14, 2015.  The event will take place at the Galion Country Club from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Ohio wines will be featured along with food pairings that might accompany each wine.  This has proven to be a fun time and is not restricted to Galion Alumni, but is open to any one of legal age willing to purchase a ticket for the sampling.   Proceeds are intended for the Campus Wear Fund. 

This year, the Association decided to revive the 300 Club drawings for the home football and basket ball games. These drawings were previously sponsored by the Galion Boosters Club.  For those not familiar with the way these drawings work, here is a brief description. There are 300 tickets sold at $20.00 each.  At each home football or basketball game, two tickets are drawn and the purchasers of those tickets receive $100.00 dollars each. The tickets drawn are then deposited back into the pool of tickets and are eligible to be drawn again at the next drawing.  Each ticket has a 1 in 300 or 1 in 299 chance of being drawn if all of the tickets have been sold.   Total income from all sources including the Wine Tasting, 300 Club, membership dues, donations and account interest amounted to $5449.78.  

 Cash donations to the Galion City School System this year included $ 1500.00 to the Campus Wear Fund, $2001.00 for Connections Weekend HOF expenses and $500.00 to Galion Band Parents for a band trip. .  Money was also spent to promote the Association through ads in the Drama Department program and Yearbook. Expense Items this year included Post Office Box fees and postage and office supplies.    Total expenses came to $5618.41, just a little more than we brought in.

 The Galion Alumni Association is a participating member of the Galion Connections Weekend Committee.  This committee was established to bring together the several organizations that contribute to the Galion City Schools in one form or another.  The committee consists of members of the Galion City Schools, Galion Alumni Association, Galion Community Foundation, Galion Community Education Foundation, The Galion Tiger Alumni Band, Galion Community Center/YMCA, Galion Booster Club and Galion Parent Teacher Organizations.  This Committee is responsible for the production of the Galion Connections Weekend.  This weekend features a Thursday, Homecoming Bonfire (Weather permitting), Friday, Career Day for High School and Middle School students and the Homecoming Game in the evening. Saturday features a Kiwanis sponsored Pancake Breakfast, and the Hall of Fame Banquet.  The Alumni Association plays a large role in the Hall of Fame event.  You can check out the accomplishments of the Hall of Fame Members by using the Inductee Links locate in the right column.   All of these events are open to the public and are not restricted to Alumni.

 Since the creation of the Association in 2004, there has been only one significant project that required solicitation of funds.  That was the Entryway Project.   Alumni responded and the result is on display at the entrance to the Galion City School Campus on Portland Way North.  We would like to our membership more involved in the workings of the Association.  We are seeking input from Galion Alumni as to what they would like to see from their Association.  Send us your thoughts or attend one of our meetings. 

 Anyone wishing to contact us with ideas may do so, by using the Contact Us menu item on the Galion Alumni Association website, or leave a posting on the Galion Alumni Association FaceBook page.  You may write us a letter and send it to us at PO Box 22, Galion, OH  44833. The Alumni Association Board generally meets the third Monday of every month unless there is a cancellation or rescheduling. The meetings are currently being held at the Pizza Hut in Galion usually at 6:30 p.m. All who wish to participate are cordially invited to attend.