REGARDING THE

SANTA JAMBOREE

Even before the dust settled from their 16^th Annual RBS Luncheon & the ripples died away from their 3^rd Annual RBS Cruise, FORBS was busy planning the 2010 Santa Jamboree, for later this summer! 

All was going splendidly, too—vendors were lining up; workshops, galas & other events were coming together nicely; and the Knott’s Santa Parade was planned to include various CHP & Secret Service vehicles and at least one SoCal Woodies car club! 

Incredibly, however, registrations began to slow—just when they should have been picking up; with a crucial deadline approaching in their contract with the host venue Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort, FORBS' Board of Directors realized that they had no choice but to postpone the Jamboree until the economy has improved enough to allow more members of the Christmas Community to participate.

Over the past two weeks, a FORBS delegation consisting of myself, President Ron Robertson, Vice Pres Bob Callahan & Jamboree General Chairman Tim Connaghan have been meeting with CPAR to resolve the current contract & deposits, and to reschedule the Jamboree.   Here we caught a break:

Crowne Plaza Anaheim’s brand-new General Manager Tommy Spencer proved something of a visionary, who had his own ideas regarding a symbiotic partnership with the FORBS!  With his support, FORBS was not only able to reschedule the Jamboree, but have also been able to resolve another looming issue: they now have a much larger venue for their upcoming Luncheons! Crowne Plaza has even promised to help FORBS recoup their deposits along the way, through various percs, upgrades & allowances!!

Jamboree staff have begun processing refunds to all registered vendors & guests, and they are already reporting that some of their fellow Jolly Jents are opting to “Let it ride” — in other words, to leave their deposits on account towards an equivalent registration for the 2012 Jamboree (at current pricing); many others are choosing to apply portions of their Jamboree refunds towards advance registrations for the 2011 and/or 2012 Luncheons. 

The Board has also recently authorized a FORBS LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP—which is currently available to any Member In Good Standing who pays 10 years’ dues in advance ($250); it passed unanimously, and the response from the membership has been quite enthusiastic—indeed, with the Board considering an additional proposal to limit their number, quite a few of us are scrambling for that queue! 

Regarding the future of IOS:

Pollyanna that I am, I never doubted that FORBS would get through this. 

Indeed, I've said all along that they would not only survive, but would be even stronger and more respected for having faced this challenge—and having done the right thing!

I will continue to look for new & better ways to incorporate into the ever-growing family of the Fraternal Order all of those members of the Christmas Community who don’t happen to be Real Bearded Santas—many of whom  have found friendship & camaraderie here, in the International Order. 

I look forward to the day when ALL of you can share the personal & professional benefits which FORBS provides for the membership…

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