The 98th National Convention

The 98th National Convention, "This is the Way to the Stars," was held at the Omni Hotel in Richmond, Virginia from July 12-16th. Nancy Andis, National President, from Theta Chapter of Greencastle, Indiana presided over the delegation.

Bonnie DeMeyer, Vice President conducted the memorial service for 96 Delt Sisters at the beginning of Thursdays meeting. Next came roll call with 87 chapters out of 109 being represented, ten national officers, 23 past National Presidents, six past officers who were also delegates (with two votes), giving a total of 120 votes.

Jodi Reinhardt, philanthropy speaker, from the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia, gave a presentation with the help of Bobby Pitifer. NFED started with 13 families in 1982. They have worked with 4,400 children and adults in 50 states and 67 countries. Ectodermal Dysplasia is a genetic disorder involving two or more of hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. Two out of 10,000 children are affected with Ectodermal Dysplasia. NFED provides dental care, wigs, and family conferences. Delta Theta Tau Sorority has had a 10 year association with NFED. Our donation has provided packets for 134 new families, support for the website(www.nfed.org), and scholarships for family conferences.

Thursday afternoon was reserved for legislation. Thursday evening, the informal "Delts are Stars" featured an outstanding meal and featured a magician for the entertainment.

Friday morning began with a workshop from Parliamentarian, Pat Koch. We divided into two groups and discussed Member Rights and Responsibilities. Lindsey Comer, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of officers for 2006-2007. Jan Swerlin, the 2008 Convention Coordinator discussed the proposed convention sites in Tampa and Fort Myeres. The Teresa McCallister award was presented to Jackie Wright, Monticello, Indiana.

We were broken down into groups according to the size of our towns for workshops. Our group discussed the new initiation proposal and optional funeral service. It was mentioned that you could do a gravesite service at a later time. Also discussed was how to market your chapter. Ideas were brochures, community calendar, wearing your tee shirt or sweatshirt. It was also mentioned that new members should have a big sister (the person who signed for her) or the pledge supervisor. You could ask them to work on fundraisers before they were initiated.

Friday afternoon was free with several tours. The bus going from Indiana to Richmond included transportation to Williamsburg. Pat Koch, Parliamentarian, was able to get everyone on the bus, passes for $5 which included the Governor' s Mansion and usually costs $40+.

Saturday began with the election of officers. The following were elected to office for 2006-07:

Bonnie DeMeyer - National President
Mary Jane Litz - National Vice President
Dona Mostafa - Secretary
Cathy Stanford - Treasurer
Terri Shannon - Head,Board of Trustees
Beth Wallis - Third Member Board of Trustees
Bobbi Ortegren - Secretary of Philanthropy
Bev Edwards - Western Counselor
Karen Allen - Eastern Counselor
Jo Ann Gard - Chairman Nominating Committee
Jackie Clift - Nominating Committee
Mary Morganstern - Nominating Committee

The Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, Fort Myers, Florida was voted as the convention site for 2008.

The keynote speaker for the convention was Dr. Diane Wittmer Thompson, a grant recipient and niece of President Nancy Andis. Her talk was "Quotes to Live By."

Saturday afternoon began with the You Win, We Win awards given out by Ginger Benefiel, Director of Expansion and Growth, and her PEG' s; Pat Mote, Glenna Miller, Linda Ashman, Joan Gard, and Opal Blake.

Philanthropy awards were given for volunteer hours and total philanthropy. From Alpha Province in Total Golden Hand Fund , Mooresville, Lambda Nu, ranked 8th with $12,824.18 and Total Per Capita, Mooresville ranked 10th with $674.96 and Terre Haute, Alpha Omicron, 6th with $888.91. The total Golden Hand for all 8 provinces was $684,713.24 and 155,982.14 total volunteer hours.

The elected officers were given a chance to speak. Newly Elected President, Bonnie DeMeyer said her theme for this year would be Plant with Hope, Harvest with Joy.

Saturday' s banquet, The Gleaming Stars Gala was hosted by Theta Iota, Delano, California. After the meal, raffles items were delivered to the various winners.

On Sunday, we had the installation of the new officers for the 2006-2007. The receiving line followed.

The Indiana bus left Richmond around 10:30 and arrived in Richmond, Indiana twelve hours later. Everyone had an enjoyable, but long trip on the bus.

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