Diamond Club Meeting

February 3, 2009

Members present:  Coach Downey, John Hoffman, Mike Blumer, Jessica Hagemann, Dave Stacy, Diane Hershey, Mark Anderson, Mary Anderson, Patti Nouis, Gordy Eicher, Deb Kohen, Janet Wilson, Dion Wikstrom, Randy Reichert, Marquetta Nickols, Julie Becker, Scott Becker, John Evangelist, and Ben Gallagher.

The meeting was called to order by Mike Blumer at 7:04.

Minutes from December meeting:

A motion was made by Dave Stacy to approve the January minutes. The motion was seconded by Mark Anderson.  All were in favor; the motion carried.

Overview:  Mike Blumer:

v     Kozlaks was a success. Mike thanked everyone for their help this year. We made about $18,000 on this event.  Mike has received many compliments on the evening.

v     Mike Anderson complimented everyone's efforts - he too has received several positive comments about the evening.

v     Gayle Blyleven is sending items that were part of the silent auction. She shared with Mike that she truly enjoyed the evening - the Diamond Club put on a great event.

v     Ben Gallagher heard from folks that the silent auction went a bit long. Perhaps starting 30 minutes earlier next year is an option. Closing the auction items at the start of dinner and getting the winners identified earlier was also suggested.

v     Cub bagging was successful this weekend. About 45 boys participated as well as several parents. We made $2,200 over the two days.

v     Car Wash - on Sunday, April 26^th - there was discussion about a car wash as an additional fundraiser - 9^th and 10^th graders in one location; 11^th and 12^th at another.

v     Monday, March 2^nd at 7:00 is the "Let's Play Ball" meeting.  This is a mandatory drug awareness meeting for all players and their parents.

v     The Diamond Club meeting will be immediately following the "Let's Play Ball" meeting - from approximately 8:00 - 8:45.

v     Diane Hershey thanked everyone for all their help and shared the profits each person's effort brought in.

v     Pizza Pals - Typically nets us about $6000 in profits. Gordy Eicher has offered to organize Pizza Pals again this year.  The profits will be donated to the new ball field for priorities that are needed.  In addition, an anonymous donor has offered to double this gift donated by the Diamond Club!! It was suggested that the Pizza Pals fundraiser be continued each year for continuity in the budget, to have the players participate in raising funds for their team, and to assist with cost of the trips to Florida every other year; the next trip is scheduled for 2010.  Mike recommended we continue with the Pizza Pals program. A motion was made by Mary Anderson; seconded by Dave Stacy. All were in favor.

Coach Downey's update:  (See complete report attached and on-line)

v     Coach thanked everyone for all their hard work with our fund raiser.

v     There is an alumni game scheduled for Sunday, June 14^th on the new field. Coach Downey has received enthusiastic support for this event.

v     There was talk about planning a small playoff event for the freshman and sophomore teams to give them an end-of-year tournament opportunity.

v     The banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19^th.

v     Other items and events can be viewed on Coach Downey's report.

Treasurer's Report

v     John went over the January report. The gross on the auction was $18,000. We currently have a balance of $23,000.

Vice President's Report:

v     See discussion below on the new field.

Other Business:

v     Dave Stacy provided an update about the Diamond Club Capital Campaign. An email from Dave was forwarded this week.

v     Dave talked about the "buy-a-brick" program. We are needing two parents from each current grade and from past classes, to form a team to help solicit folks to purchase a brick for the new patio.  Bricks are priced at $150 and $250 each. There will be a meeting on the 22^nd at Paninos for parents interested in being part of this team.  It is the goal to raise $25,000 through this program.  If you are interested in being a part of this team, please contact Dave Stacy or Mike Anderson.

v     If someone donates between $50 and $150 those names will be included on a banner, along with the names of the brick purchasers.

v     Banners (6 x 8) are also being sold for $1,250 - we have sold 10 of the 20 banners already. The banners will be up for the spring and summer seasons.

v     There was discussion over teams outside of MVHS using the new field. The issue will need to be addressed - charging other teams outside of the MV district is the option that other schools have adopted.

v     An email was sent out on 2/309 from Mark Anderson; however, many emails were kicked back (about 50) due to the large attachments. The attachments are already posted on the web for viewing.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 with a motion by Ben Gallagher and seconded by John Evangelist.  All in favor.

The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for MONDAY, MARCH 2^nd  IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE "LET'S PLAY BALL" MEETING.