"And this afternoon's last order of business is fundraising. As you all know, we raise funds throughout the year but depend largely on one major fundraiser. Recall that for the past few years, the doors of the Abbey have been opened to the public one summer afternoon for that purpose," the Fundraising Committee Chairwoman, Isobel Clarkson, explained to a room full of nodding heads.
"And we'll do so again?" Beryl piped in.
From the corner of the room President of the Hospital Committee Cora Crawley spoke in reply, "Unfortunately, no Mrs. Patmore. Whilst my family and I would be happy to do so again, attendance declined too dramatically from year one to year two and again last year. I'm afraid it wouldn't meet our fundraising needs."
"I find that difficult to understand. It's always such a lovely event!"" Elsie added.
"Thank you, Mrs. Carson. Certainly with your help that has been the case, but our market research suggests two things: 1) those who have attended generally have a 'once is enough' attitude, and 2) very few travel from far away to attend."
"In short, we need something fresh, something that will draw new blood shall we say – oh, forgive me, I sound like Cousin Violet now! We need something fresh, something that will attract a large audience, and ideally one that reaches farther afield," Isobel noted. "Let us break into small groups to brainstorm ideas, then we'll review toward the end of the meeting with the full group to see if we have anything."
In the end, there was nothing that truly excited the room. Isobel asked for volunteers to continue the brainstorm and reconnect with her, Cora and the broader board in three days – it was important to keep things moving forward expediently on this important effort.
Elsie was surprised when her friend Beryl's arm shot up and she volunteered the both of them to continue the brainstorm. "What?" Beryl glared back. "Aren't you the one who said it's important to volunteer? That's all I'm doing now!"
