Dear Alumnus,

    It is with a heavy heart that I write this message as this is probably the last HAS newsletter that you will receive.  Over the years, the Society has published two newsletters each year which have been sent to about 8,000 alumni.  All Haddonfield grads have been considered members of the Society and all have received the newsletter and other benefits for no charge.  Those alumni living in the area have had the opportunity to attend two happy hours and a Thanksgiving tailgate event.  In addition, the Society has helped the classes in organizing reunions by making available the information from our complete and up-to-date data base.  An annual scholarship check is presented to a graduating senior and the annual Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony has been very successful.  An excellent website is also maintained.

    Unfortunately, the contributions which support all of our activities and benefits have slowly but steadily declined.  Although we have received several loans from a generous alumnus, we have reached the point where we can no longer continue our past activities.  We are much indebted to that 1% of alumni who have faithfully supported the Society year after year, but a relative few cannot be expected to carry the load.

    As the trustees try to plan the future of the Society, we must consider what the declining economy and the increase in postal costs will have on our finances.  Among the options would be a reduction to one newsletter per year providing the funds are available.  Another option would be a Paid Membership Society, where those wishing to avail themselves of the Society’s news and benefits would pay a membership fee as is common in nearly all other organizations.  We invite any other ideas which the alumni may have.

    The bottom line is “the future of the Society’s activities depends entirely on the contributions that are received as a result of this appeal”.  It’s a “Sink or Swim” situation and if sufficient funds are not received, the trustees will have no alternative but to radically change the operations of the Society.


                                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                 Brad Linthicum, ’59
                                                                                 H.A.S. Vice-President