Rhode Island Organ Donor Awareness Coalition

General Meeting

July 23, 2011

4:00 PM

Attending:  Steve Bruno, Keith Bloomer, Dawn Porreca Antaya, Lisa Pappas, Jean Barry, Harry Bilodeau, Greg Deroches, Bob Jackson

New Business:

1.       Meeting was held at the residence of Steve Bruno.  Dinner was served prior to the meeting.

2.       The Bylaws of Rhode Island Organ Donor Awareness Coalition, Inc. were distributed.  These bylaws were last revised 11/96.  Members were asked to review the bylaws to become familiar with the corporate setup.

3.       Draft gala invites were distributed for review.   There were no suggestions for changes.  The gala will be November 12,  2011.  The facility will have to be set up on the day of the event.

4.       Ideas discussed for the gala included purchasing souvenir glasses that could be ordered from the bar.   Initially it was discussed that specialty drinks could be in the glasses.  It was decided that all beverages should be available in the glasses so all guests could purchase a glass.

5.       Menu ideas were discussed.  It was decided that a pig roast might not be popular but other food ideas were discussed.  (Roasted Pig, Pulled Pork, Rice, Coconut Shrimp, Fish entree, Fruit Kabobs, Chicken Kabobs, Beef Kabobs, Vegetables-Salad, Salsa Chicken)

6.       Raffle items will include a tablet computer, e-reader, and restaurant gift certificate.

7.       RIODAC has a limited number of volunteers.  We must concentrate our efforts to be the most efficient with everyone’s time.   Ideas concerning what we should concentrate on were discussed.

8.       Data from the RIODAC Facebook page indicates that our fan base is young to middle aged women. This data seems to match with other data and experiences.  It appears that it would be beneficial to approach young to middle aged men about organ donation.

9.       High Schools and Colleges should give RIODAC exposure to the target audience.   It may be helpful to have a member act as a volunteer coordinator for these activities.

10.    URI continues to be interested in helping us hold events on campus.  RIODAC is pursuing opportunities with the football team, health service, Greek system, pharmacy school, and nursing school.

11.    There is a national program through Donate Life that is available for use in Colleges.  RIODAC will investigate the applicability of this program.  There is a concern that RI is so unique that national programs may not be useful in RI.

12.    Other opportunities that continue to be available include events at Providence College, Bryant University, and Rhode Island College.  While pursuing opportunities at colleges, Community College of Rhode Island and New England Tech may provide opportunities, particularly in their nursing programs.  They may be receptive to a Donate Life educational program if one is available and suitable for RIODAC use.

13.    Branding for RIODAC was discussed.  The possibility of a new logo included asking RISD if they could hold a competition for logo design.  Since the RI Blood Center has done similar, Keith Bloomer will contact them to obtain information.  The goal is to have a new design by the 2012 Gala.  If things can move quicker, unveiling can be arranged sooner.

14.    The Spanish community has been in touch with RIODAC for event participation.  Steve has attended a few events.  It would be very helpful to have some Spanish-speaking volunteers to attend these events.  A note seeking volunteers, particularly Spanish speaking will be included in the Gala invitation.

15.    RIODAC is looking to develop the Board of Directors.  Anyone interested in participating on the Board should contact Steve Bruno.  There are officer positions available.  Members should be in place for a swearing in ceremony or recognition at the gala.  RIODAC is looking for volunteers that are not recipients or donor families for participation on the board to meet the bylaw requirements.

16.    Consider staffing the Board of Directors with well-known people from industry.  Having a Board of Directors with industrial leaders will help develop RIODAC’s reputation in the State.  Organizations include AAA, American Lung Association, American Liver Foundation.  American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, and the RI Blood Center.

Action Items:

1.       Review Bylaws and develop steps to remain in compliance with them or to revise them.

2.       Meet to plan for the gala.  Decisions include menu, glasses, auction items, and raffle items.

3.       Investigate national Donate Life program for use in schools.

4.       Continue coordination with URI for events.

5.       Develop the Board of Directors or the Advisory Committee.

6.       Contact RI Blood Center concerning rules for RIODAC logo contest.

7.       Set Date for next meeting.