Members present: Myron Bacon, Jennifer Ehle, Rebecca DuBey, Jean Hanson and Mark Hanson

This informal meeting was called to discuss possible fund raising opportunities in the next couple of months.

1. Possible Grants we could pursue:

1. Jeffries Grant

   Myron has information about this grant, sponsored by the Parker Pen heirs, that provides money to groups interested in saving historical sites.  They offer a grant of $2500 that can be used to create a history book about a project.  Other awards are available too.

   
   
2. Andy Warhol Foundation

   Has money available, says Myron, but not likely suitable to our project.

   
   
3. Dane County Cultural Commission

   We had learned that the DCCC might have funds for our project.  Myron checked into it shortly after this meeting and send the following e-mail message:

   Just talked to Lynn Eich, the cultural affairs person for Dane County, and she is real interested in our project. However, there is a problem, in that they can only give funds to a historical society. She is sending me there regulations.

   Two possibilities :

   1. Have the Oregon group sponsor our activity or

   2. Have the town create our group as the towns Historical group.

   I have no idea how this is done or if it can be. Any suggestions on how we could find out?
   
   

4. Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL),  now InVest

   Myron talked with Rick Walschmidt, former manager of the Ben Franklin store in Oregon, who now works with InVest. That organization wil give money to historical/civic projects, and Rick is willing to join our organization and make an application for a $5000 grant.  The catch is we must have five other people with AAL insurance. Myron thinks it may be enough to be a Lutheran to join the sponsor group.

2. Promotion

1. Jean will call Mrs. Karls in regard to a cermony to where she presents the deed to either Dale beske or Dawn George. We will try to have the local press there to record.
   
   
2. PR Calendar--Events to publicize:

   1. Arlan Kay's contribution

   2. Historical Registry achieved in Wisconsin

   3. Land from Anthonys
   
   

3. Matthew Slaats has offered to create an art show featuring art work with a Rutland Center Church and Cemetery theme.  We need to:

   1. Invite him to a meeting

   2. Find out what media he and his friends work in

   3. Ask him to do a picture of the church

   Dale Beske responded to Mark's email about Matthew's offer:

   Mark:
   
   

   The art show sounds like an interesting idea. I think we would have to somehow limit the area used to the remaining lawn areas, so people are not using the burial areas as a park site.
   
   

   I think we would also want to have the entrance off 14 clearly closed off so people use the access from Rome Corners.
   
   

   This would be better if some of the newly acquired land from Anthony family could be used for parking, but that is probably a ways off at this time. A sort of chicken and egg thing ... we can't raise the funds until we spend some! I guess the number of people expected to attend would have an impact on how it would be organized. Parking, display areas, porta-potty areas would all have to be identified.
   
   

   Dale

3. Information Sharing Party at the Rutland Center Cemetery
        Jennifer Ehle has volunteered to organize this activity to be held October 2 or 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds.

1. Guests would be invited to bring information they may have about people interred in the cemetery.
   
2. We could solicit memberships
   
3. Might be good to set up posters to show what's happening.
   
4. Mark has said he would see about getting a small tent from a friend who owns a tent rental business.
   
5. We could invite Jerry Neath to do a presentation on the history of the church and cemetery.
   
6. Mark and Jean are to call Arlan Kay to see if he will have anything ready to share by the first of October.
   
7. Committee suggests we serve light refreshments. Since it will likely be cool, hot cider, coffee or hot chocolate might be in order.
   
8. Jean will check with Bills Foods about getting a good deal on drinks or water.
   
9. Jennifer says she could get apple cider.

4. Fund Raising Activity at Bills Food Center September 4th

1. Could sell a brat, coke and chips for about $1.25.  Myron saw a similar sale at Sams recently at that price.
2. Would require a grill, tables and perhaps a horse trough for soda.  Mark has an easel that could be used to display pictures of the church and cemetery.
3. Could ask Bills if they would donate buns and other food or at least get us a good price on them.
4. Time: Committee thought 10:00 a.m. to 2;00 p.m. would be about right.
5. Cindy will call Sams to find out how people set up at their place.

   Email from Cindy received August 12:

   Hi Mark,

   Just thought I'd let you know what I found out about how Sam's Club does their fund-raising brat sales. They provide all the food for free, allow employees to volunteer (during non-work hours) and give all the proceeds to the charity. They only allow a few select charities to participate--Children's Miracle Network, benefit for an employee who was sick or injured, etc.

   
   
6. Would set up a display with pictures of the church. Hand out brochures.  Sell memberships in our Friends group.
7. Contributions from others: Madison Door might give money, perhaps one of the Eugster brothers would contribute food.