Kudos to Reunions With Class

Eleven years ago, I sat in on our first reunion meeting at The Berry Bowl Restaurant and listened as Shanon Ford proposed hiring a reunion company to help with our reunion. And I'll admit: I was more than a little skeptical.

Why would we need to hire someone to help us? What would they do that we couldn't do? How hard could it possibly be?

I've since seen the light. Organizing a reunion for a whopping 459 individuals and their families is a big, honkin' responsibility. One I'm more than happy to spearhead. But in case there are others out there who share my initial "huh?" response, I'll spell out a list of items that Reunions With Class takes care of for us:

1. RWC provides a detailed notebook filled with a variety of responsibilities, suggested due dates, contact information for things like local parks, hotels, etc.
2. They keep the committee on track, holds them accountible for specific tasks, and helps answer questions regarding these tasks.
3. Help keep momentum going throughout the year prior to the reunion by staying in contact with committee chair.
4. Locate classmates. This is the biggee. For every address or bit of information we send their way, RWC checks up and confirms through phone calls. They also keep a database for all contact information (with our help, they've currently located 406 out of 459 of our classmates - and they're still looking for the remaining 53).
5. They provide access to their website with reunion information, classmate information, suggestions, etc.
6. They offer reunion classes for committee members to attend, providing suggestions, tips, etc. for improving the event.
7. They handle all negotiations with caterers, hotels, deejays, etc.
8. They create and send out all communications about the reunion (snail mail invitations, e-mails, postcards, etc.).
9. They keep track of all registrations and money (whew!).
10. They are available for continual consultation/decision-making.
11. They handle all deposits for venues, caterers, etc.
12. They provide nametags for all attendees.
13. They staff the actual event, help check-in all classmates, and make sure the event runs as smooth as possible.
14. Coordinate a class picture, offer a memory book, and/or a program the night of the event.

Okay, I'll stop now. After helping out with the last two reunions, I've been very impressed with the staff at RWC and offer my kudos for the great job they do for us. Regarding price, I've calculated an increase of about $12-$15 per person more than if we tried to do it without them.

I think they're well worth every penny and can't imagine ever doing this without 'em. If you have any questions about RWC, go ahead and leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

As always, if you're interested in helping, just let me know!