July is here and the car show activities are in full swing. As a member of the Knight's of Columbus, I have helped host the Central Catholic car show since it's beginning 15 years ago. One of my jobs, besides judging the cars, is passing out fliers at various local car shows that advertise this event. This allows me to visit many local car shows and chat with the car owners so that they can learn about our club. Several of our club members do the same. Getting the word out. Recently our tech guru, Tim Lange, reached out to a variety of car show hosts to display their car show fliers on our website. This is a great way for these folks to learn about our club while utilizing our service. Chuck Tedrick has contacted a local Frankfort vendor who can cheaply produce shirts and hats with our logo to also spread the word of our club and it's membership. Some time ago Harold Doremire suggested we set up a process by which we can donate to a charity of our choosing to help, once again, get the word out about our club. Boni Goss and the board members worked hard to get this idea implemented. I want to thank these people and the work they have done to help promote our club. My question now as you read this message is this: what are you personally doing for the club and it's members? Many of you can look back and be proud of what you have given back to the club. Whether it has been donating your time, your talents, your home or financial help to host an event. This club is only as strong and active as it's members. I personally enjoy LIHAC and the efforts it's members give back. The only problem is that it seems to be the same 10-15 members putting forth this effort. Our club membership is getting older. Our numbers are shrinking too. Our events are still pretty well attended, but don't seem to be increasing. What are you doing to increase membership? Have you handed out any of our fliers recently? Membership fliers and business cards are always available on the sign up table. Would you be willing to purchase a club shirt and wear it at our club events? This is our club, mine and yours. Don't be afraid to jump in and host an event, donate something with a little value to the Christmas auction or spend a little money to help with a club event. Our board got a little push back on charging $5.00 a head for the fish fry. I don't know of anywhere you can get what we did for that price. Our last Christmas auction garnered about half of what we normally receive. As you probably know, our income is generated from membership dues and the auction. It stands to reason that if our membership is declining, then so is our income. My conclusion is this: It's up to you, the membership, to see this club thrive, survive or die. If this club means as much to you as it does to me, then consider the future of LIHAC. Bring in a new member, buy a shirt, host an event, spend an extra few dollars. The past members worked hard to make the club something we all enjoy today. What will you do today to make this club something future members will enjoy tomorrow?