President's Annual Letter -- Risher Randall, Jr.

August 28, 2009

Dear Local Alum:

It’s that time of year again! Yes, it’s time to renew your Yale Club of Houston membership. If you neglected to join last year, or have never been a member, we encourage you to give membership a chance. It is never too late!

Though we do not have a building or a swimming pool or a golf course, we do have fun! This year we are beginning the season with our traditional wine tasting to take place on Friday, September 25^th. Nina and David Karohl and Anne and Austen Furse have agreed to host the event. On deck for the evening of October 22 is a presentation by Bob Stokes, class of 1990, on the condition of Galveston Bay. Bob is President of the Galveston Bay Foundation. In November, we will have our traditional get together to watch the Game.

These events will be followed by many more. In addition, last year’s Yale Day of Service was such a success – with some 45 volunteers manning the Beacon, an organization which cares for the homeless, and constructing a home for Habitat for Humanity – that we are considering another project this year. The Bulldogs on the Bayou program completed its second year as we hosted six Yale students for summer employment.

So please join the Yale Club of Houston and send in your dues payment today. There are several options for membership. The All Events Membership is the best deal, including the cost of membership and admission to all events. Save at least $100 on the cost of attending events by paying for them in advance. You can even buy a second All Events Membership for a spouse or frequent guest. Young Alumni discount pricing is available for both All Events and Regular Membership.

Please also consider sending in a Patron Donation with your membership dues. Since the Yale Club of Houston is a 501c3 organization, your contribution is tax deductible. Patron donations support many worthwhile programs including Bulldogs on the Bayou and provision of the Yale Book Awards.

This year’s theme comes from our service project. Let’s “whistle while we work.” No matter what we do, with the right attitude, with the can do spirit, we will have a good year. We invite you to let us know it you would like to be more actively involved with your club. As I have alluded, there is much to do.

I hope to see you at the some of the upcoming events this year!

Boola,

Risher Randall, Jr.

President, Yale Club of Houston