Another year has passed and it is time for our annual membership drive.  We will try to provide insight into the efforts of the Galion Alumni Association.  It is through  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 continued support.

 In 2013, there were 143 dues paying members, of which 69 were Lifetime Members.  Lifetime Memberships have increased by nine 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.  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.

 During 2013, the Galion Alumni Association continued 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

2013 In Review

The Alumni Association held one fund raiser during 2013. A Wine Tasting and Silent Auction were held on March 23. This event was held at the Galion Country Club and featured California wines paired with foods that might be served with each wine.  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 2014 Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 8, 2014.  The event will take place at the Galion Country Club from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  South American wines will be featured along with foods that might accompany each wine.  This has proven to be a fun time and all are invited to attend. Proceeds are intended for the Campus Wear Fund.  Our annual money raffle in partnership with the Galion Tiger Alumni Band was put on hold in 2013, but we hope to revive it again in 2014.  We sure could use some help with the sale of raffle tickets.  Total income from all sources including the Wine Tasting, membership dues, coin and yearbook sales, donations, account interest and Google ads amounted to $4623.98.  

 Cash donations to the Galion City School System this year included $1250.00 to the Campus Wear Fund, $600.00 for bullying educational program, $2000.00 for Connections Weekend HOF expenses and $100.00 movie licensing fee for Testing Week.  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.  A $100.00 donation was made to OKTOBERFEST, a community event.  Total expenses came to $4762.10, just a little more than we brought in.

 The Galion Alumni Association is a participating member of the Synergy 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, a 5k run sponsored by Grace Brethren Church, and the Hall of Fame Banquet.  The Alumni Association plays a large role in the Hall of Fame event.  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 of attend one of our meetings. 

 In an effort to reach more people, a Galion Alumni Association page has been created on Facebook.  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 Facebook.  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.