Historic Vote

St Louis Alumni Association

October 17, 2020

The St. Louis alumni association board of directors cast two historic votes at its October meeting. The first ends a long tradition and activity, the weekly alumni bingo and the second vote approved developing an action plan to sustain current operations and propose possible changes to Association mission, goals, and objectives. The votes came following a presentation and discussions of a report to the board from the association’s planning committee.

In May of 2020, BOD Chairman Paul Therrien appointed a five-member planning committee, regarding the future of the St. Louis Alumni Association. The planning committee with the assistance of our trustees, worked for several months preparing options for the board regarding the future of the St. Louis Alumni Association. Two of the four options presented highlighted financial and operational considerations related to either reopen bingo, which has been shut down since January due to the Covid-19 pandemic, or end bingo as an association activity. Major factors considered in the report were the effects of operating weekly bingos in accordance with State of Maine Covid-19 requirements and constraints, health and safety concerns of bingo volunteers and patrons and the overall financial impact that ending bingo would have on the Association as a whole.

The weekly St. Louis alumni bingo was started in the 1960’s in the old St. Joseph parish hall as a fundraiser to support St. Louis high school athletic activities. The bingos, held at the Alumni hall on route 1 since the late 1970’s, were supported by thousands of local players over a span of 50 plus years and were the major source of annual income for the Alumni. Thanks to an untold number of dedicated Association volunteers who “worked the bingo”, it became a very profitable well supported tradition among local bingo operations. Funds raised through bingo were used, and are still used, to support athletics at St. James School and local youth athletic programs.

The second vote, on the development of an action plan, was based on the board having to address current and future financial issues now that its major source of income (bingo/pull tabs income) is ended. Starting point for the plan will be one of the four proposed options made by the planning committee that identified pros, cons, and possible required actions to maintain the Association for years to come.

The board of directors believe that ending weekly bingos will not affect St. Louis Alumni Association operations as an organization. The association is financially sound and the awarding of twelve annual $1000 academic scholarships will continue. Soon, the Chairman will appoint a transition team to address critical fiscal and operational issues aimed at maintaining the proud heritage and history of the association. Input from all association members will be welcomed.

Additional information regarding the progress and desired outcomes of future planning initiatives will be provided to all members via emails and hosting of Zoom meetings.

John Thibault ‘65

Public Affairs Chair