Reds Foundation Luncheon Report

John Harms and Torch McGee were terrific in their brief spots at last week’s packed lunch at the community rooms. Harmsy was heard saying afterwards "I think they are Melbourne’s best audience - you can go with some stuff you wouldn’t try elsewhere". And Torch's son Jack lived up to his father's goalkicking reputation and kicked four in a gritty and important win over rival Ormond. It’s great to have such talented and community minded media people who provide us with great support.

Michael Smale was in superb form as the MC of the event which attracted 88 guests. The RF made around $2200 profit on the lunch will be used to support the football club as usual. We had a very generous wine donation from Carlos @ Royal Hotel Clifton Hill and over $1200 worth of raffle prizes donated by our community partners. It was a fun day with a very positive vibe topped off by a great wins by the ressies (confirmed as finalists) and seniors – in the running for a final four berth. Thanks to all those who supported the day and especially to those who worked hard to make the day a success.

Reds Foundation Membership Reaches Record Level

2001 saw 102 members sign up to the Reds Foundation – a fantastic result and something we can continue to build upon in 2012.

Reds Foundation $1000 Members Raffle Result

Young gun, Sam Baker took out the $1000 members draw last Saturday after he finally found his winning membership card no 67. Sam reckons his bedroom has never looked so tidy ! Sam is currently recuperating from recent shoulder surgery and will not play again this season. He has been a member of the RF Development Squad for 3 years and was named in the Team of the Decade 2001-2010 at the RF Dinner in May this year. Congratulations to Sam.

2011 Achievements

a. Funding of the Development Squad (D-Squad)

This is the third year of the D-Squad which has grown from 6 young players in 2009 to 14 players in 2011.

For 10 months of the year these young men (aged 18-21) complete extra training, gymnasium and recovery sessions to better prepare them for senior football. The program also promotes great friendships, accountability and leadership. The players within the squad are consistently in the best players at senior and U19 level. The program costs $500 per player each year. The Reds Foundation contributed the required $7000 to the program in 2011.

b. Securing Player Sponsorships and Player Subscription Subsidies

Over the past 3 years the Reds Foundation has co-ordinated the Player Sponsorship Program given that the players at all levels within the club are expected to pay to play. In 2011 the Reds Foundation has secured 25 player sponsorships. All sponsored players were expected to join the Reds Foundation to provide a pool of support funds for non-sponsored players. As well the Reds Foundation has been able to provide 50% subsidies to 15 other players. The overall support covers 40 senior players and totals over $15000.

c. Facilitating Club Sponsors

Each year the Reds Foundation looks to support the club’s bottom line through the securing or retention of club sponsors and works in conjunction with the club board in servicing these club sponsors. In 2011 the Reds Foundation played a key role in securing $21,000 in club sponsorship apart from the investment the Reds Foundation makes as a major sponsor itself. Furthermore, members of the Reds Foundation have introduced two in-kind sponsors which provide several thousand $$ in products.

d. Growth in Membership

In 2010 the Reds Foundation provided the club with a strong level of financial support despite a membership of 30. In 2011 the membership exceeds 100 and this allows for increased support to the club. Furthermore, more members mean more ideas. One of our members has kick-started a raffle in support of the club at a local hotel – this is likely to provide the club with another $6-7K over a calendar year. As well, each member of the Reds Foundation also becomes a member of the football club – so this is another way the Reds Foundation provides financial assistance to the club.

e. Successful Functions

The Reds Foundation organised its first Anzac Luncheon this year where former player and coach Roger Chitty made a wonderful presentation about the Changi Brownlow of WW2.

The 5th Annual Reds Foundation Dinner at the RACV Club in May attracted over 100 guests and saw the naming of the Team of the Decade 2001-2010. The Annual RF Luncheon was again oversubscribed and another resounding success, as noted above. Of course we are looking forward to the Redlow Dinner in September which is sponsored by the Reds Foundation each year.