Case Study: The Family Reunion

The Story
Due to a variety of issues and challenges, the REM3 Family missed their scheduled Family Reunion in New York City. No one there wanted to take on the task for the next cycle, and another missed reunion looked certain. A past Reunion Chairperson took my advice and we began to plan the reunion for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Challenge
Many people love family reunions, few want to plan them and even fewer know how. Adding to that reality is the verbal enthusiasm that is faster than the responses, especially payment. A week-end had to be selected, a hotel needed to be designated and activities needed to be planned. With few funds remaining from the most recent reunion and hotels operating on contracts and deposits, I advised the drafted Reunion Chairperson to use personal funds to secure the hotel and get re-imbursed before the close of the Reunion.

The Solution
The Chairperson and I established planning and payment timetables. A fee was established, meals identified and menus were selected. A determination was made about what Reunion “goodies” each participant would receive. Information packets were e-mailed and “snail mailed” to family members. Included in the information was a “drop dead” deadline for Reunion fees and hotel accommodations that were earlier than the real deadlines.

The Reunion
Nearly 100 family members attended the Reunion. During the Family Meeting, participants voted unanimously to continue the Family Reunion tradition. A regular reunion date was established and reunion cities were selected for the next two reunions. Family members had fun meeting and re-connecting with one another and searching the Family Tree.