Every year, about 6 weeks before the Brian Ahearn Children’s Outing annual golf outing, the golf committee gets together at G’s and discusses strategy.  That, of course, after the first cup of coffee (tea for Vinny and Jerry).  This is a HUGE fundraiser for BACF, since 96% of the dollars raised are donated back to many kids battling with serious illnesses.  So the meeting starts out talking about our special group of golfers who have made ALL the golf outings to date, and the fact that we need to give them something special for that landmark.  Next we talked about the all important sponsors.  Our sponsors are tried and true, and every year we add new ones.  This is the core of  our fundraising.

But then the conversation turned to golfers.  This is one of the largest outings in the Hudson Valley, last year attracting 272 golfers!  Our goal this year is 280.  But Jeff Ahearn is concerned.  Our number of registrants is below last years count at the same time.  We tell him not to worry … people are busy, and tend to register late.  With a golf outing this size, that make you nervous.

But then there is the magic.  Every year we have a status meeting at G’s.  Every year there is concern about how many registrants we have 6 weeks out.  And every year, the Brian Ahearn Childrens Outing fills up, and is a huge success!  We expect the same for this year.  So if you have our brochure near by, take the time to send it in now.  If you don’t have it, you can just go on the website http://www.aboutbacf.org and complete it online.  The BACF Board of Directors thanks all of the sponsors and golfers in advance for attending this years 15th anniversary outing!

As we enter 2013, there have been a few changes to the Children’s Fund’s Board of Directors.   Andrea Roe, Alison Leentjes and Brian Leentjes have stepped down after several years of service.  I would like to thank all three of them for their efforts on behalf of the BACF.  They have been key members of our team and contributed significantly to the accomplishments of the Children’s Fund.

I would also like to welcome two additions to our Board for 2013.  Shannon McLaughlin, Brian’s oldest sister has joined us and will officially help us continue our work.  Shannon has helped her Dad behind the scenes for quite some time and is now stepping into a more formal role.

Michael Conklin is also joining the Board, effective January 1.  Michael is the oldest son of founding member/VP, Mike Conklin and first asked to join the Board after his high school graduation.   Mikey graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s earlier this year and is a fifth grade teacher in the Florida, NY District.  He knew Brian from his youngest days at Warwick Little League and has always been close to the Children’s Fund and what the organization stands for.

I look forward to having both Shannon and Michael on the Board this coming year as we continue to get more and more support  from young people in Brian’s generation.

I would also like to personally thank everyone involved with the November Comedy Show – organizers, attendees, the Castle staff and performers.  It was a great event and a good time was had by all in attendance.   I would also like to thank our many supporters for all of their help in 2012.  Aside from our two fundraisers, we receive donations througout the year from a number of individuals and businesses who quietly support our cause.   I try to get ackowledgments out to each and every donor and if I missed you, please reach out directly to me.  Thanks again.

Thank you to The Castle Fun Center and the musicians who performed during the September 9th fundraiser.   Thank you also to the Mans Ruin Roller Derby League for their half time fundraiser during the game on September 16th – also at the Castle.