Members present: Betsy Bullard, Joy McCoy, Carol Carpenter, Lara Heberle, Cindy McCall, Bobbie West, Bree Jimenez, Susanne Blaya, Rae Lynn Wahl, Susan Preston, Amy Callaghan
Our Guest speaker was Theresa Remy for Sanctuary House. Theresa has personal experience as her brother developed schizophrenia and was also diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in his early 20s. He committed suicide at age 39 as he had gone off his medication and was not being monitored or followed up by the local government center. After this tragic event, Thersa’s mother and others started a “clubhouse model” based on the successful Fountain House in New York City. Sanctuary House was a result and now serves 75 people a day as a place to belong. The ‘members ‘ are served breakfast and lunch, learn job training skills, communication skills and social skills. In the past year less than 1% of the active members have been hospitalized. Most of the funding comes from private donations as the government has all but cut federal funding for mental health agencies. We thank Theresa for speaking to us on one of our philanthropies.
We opened the meeting with the ritual led by Rae Lynn Wahl. After our board meeting Cindy McCall emailed all of the local Pi Phi’s on the register from Pi Beta Phi Headquarters. Bobbie West was able to reconnect with a Pi Phi on Facebook. All of these efforts are appreciated as we continue to grow our club.
Bree Jimenez, our Treasurer, announced our dues are due! $40. Of which 35 is for Headquarters and 5 is for our club. Anything given above that is considered Angel dues and is appreciated! Please send in by November 15th.
Bobbie West announced that our Silpada fundraiser will be on Thursday November 7th 5:30-8:00 at the home of Regina Clark 2802 Lake Forest Drive (off of Willoughby in New Irving Park).
Our Christmas party will be at the home of Amy Callaghan on December 15th. 7:00 708 Northern Shores Lane in Lake Jeanette.
Betsy spoke about our goals for this year which are membership, noting that everyone has a place in Pi Phi and regional growth. We are looking to include Winston and High Point as there are no clubs in these areas.
Please keep the date on November 7th open for Shea's Chase. This is a walk to benefit Mental Health. We will be walking with our Pi Phi shirts as a team with more info to follow. In the meantime you can get more information at www.sheaschase.com.
Also mark your calendars for: January tbd date for lunch and collecting undergarments. February 23rd meeting at Bobby West's home 7:00 March 4th Dr. Seuss party at Salvation Army May 5th Wine and Arrow for founders day place tbd. We still need a AAC Chair (Alumnae Advisory Committee)for Duke University. NC Beta Also we need a chair for the Dr.Seuss party. We ended with our closing ritual and then a Cookie Shine! Thanks to all who brought goodies!
Respectfully submitted by Amy Callaghan.
