2007 – Another Record Year for AmStand!

by Karen Mason

2007 AmStand Special Committee Chairman

               Not only was a good time had by all at the 2007 American Stand, but the group raised the most funds of any of the Stands at the International Bazaar of Luxembourg. A reception was held on January 31, 2008, at the U.S. Embassy Residence to honor sponsors, donors, and volunteers of the American Stand. It was Ambassador Ann Wagner's happy task to announce that the net proceeds of 39,000   raised for charity by the Stand in December was another record amount. The two charities chosen by AmStand are among the 117 charities that will receive a portion of all the funds raised at the IBL. Checks have already been cut and sent to Covenant House in New York City and an agency in Chicago, Illinois, that works with immigrants and refugees to the United States, Interfaith Refugee and Immigrant Ministries.

               The reception on the 31^st of January was the second event to say thanks to supporters of AmStand. Barbara Becker hosted a Thank You luncheon in her home on the Friday immediately following the Bazaar. Volunteers who were able to come at that time mostly revelled in the afterglow of the Bazaar, but we also talked about what went well and what could be improved upon for next year. Although no one said this exactly, the mood of both the December and January lunch-hour events was that each year is the best AmStand ever!

               One group that was not able to come to either event mentioned above were the students who supported AmStand. The oldest students are studying at Miami University, while the youngest teen volunteers were 14 year-olds – with "years of experience of the Bazaar". Think what that statement by one of our youngest volunteers has to say about the pull and attraction of the International Bazaar of Luxembourg. Not only have these youth been brought to the event by committed parents, they want to come. Gives one hope for the future.

               Finally, we need to acknowledge once again the generous donation to AmStand that came by way of AWCL organization skills and members' support of the Silent Auction last October. That event, with Catarina Fernandes as chairman, netted 9,000.00  . It was a good year for us all. Barbara Becker's report as AmStand Treasurer shows that total receipts for AmStand 2007 were 58,910.42  . The cash on hand for next year is 13,508.29  . The full report is on file at the Clubhouse. Thank you, once again! Karen Mason, chairman.