Introducing The JIM COATNEY Memorial Hospitality Cup Competition

To: Post Commanders, Auxiliary Presidents, SAL Commanders, Legion Riders Chapters

From: Charles “Chuck” Camarato, 22^nd District 2^nd Vice Commander

It was my privilege and honor to introduce at the August District Meeting a NEW and EXCITING Ways & Means program for the Districts Convention Hospitality room fund raiser. I am tasked with the responsibility from the District to solicit funds from each of the Posts within the District. Given the current economy this will be no easy means. Traditionally, the District would have held a raffle with several prizes and then asked each Post to purchase a set amount of books to be sold. I have decided to gain your support in a manner that is innovative, fun, worthy and inspiring.

Jim was a member of Post 460 and passed to Post everlasting as the 2011 District Commander. What better way to honor a Legionnaire who has dedicated so much of his life to the American Legion Family. Jim was known for his leadership and his great hospitality.  There will be three (3) winning category plaques engraved on the trophy. Going strictly by Post membership as of 6/30/11, the three categories are, 0-150, 151-350 and 350+ members. In Jim’s name this will become a coveted trophy.

The hospitality room at convention represents all of us. The banner hung for the room clearly is embossed with the logos of the Legion, Auxiliary, S.A.L. and Riders along with each Post number of the 22^nd District. We are a family and this should be a family effort. The hospitality room is the place where the family gathers after the tedious efforts of working the convention floor and commissions at the end of the day. A place where members unwind, laugh, drink a cold beer or a cup of coffee, enjoy appetizers, foster comradeship and relax. For the longest time the District has been funding the hospitality room, but I believe that this should be a family effort as all of our family have enjoyed this room.

At each District meeting, any Post Commander may place a combined contribution from their Post, Auxiliary, SAL Squadron and Rider Chapter, in a sealed envelope, inside the Cup. They then will place a star on the competition board for their Post.  The envelopes will be announced at the April 2012 District meeting. There will be NO ties. Any ties will be given a run-off challenge. At the June 2012 District meeting the winners will get to sip a bottle of champagne from the Cup in Jim’s honor. The hospitality room banner, will declare the winners in large print. At each District meeting in 2012/13, the winners will personally deliver the trophy to each other, via the floor, for the honor of placing the trophy at their chair and boasting their bragging rights.

I will be officially visiting ALL Post meetings to let you see the Cup firsthand. Supporting this competition is simply a win-win opportunity! We get to remember and honor a great Legionnaire, we get to fund our hospitality suite, and we get the chance to have fun competing against each other.

WHO ARE THE WINNERS GOING TO BE?

January 15, 2012

To:  All Post Commanders, 22^nd District

From: Charles “Chuck” Camarato, 22^nd District 2^nd Vice Commander

As we start off the New Year our April District meeting will be fast approaching. As you know, this meeting date will be the final opportunity for your Post to WIN the Jim Coatney Cup. All contributions will cease by the closing ceremony. At our June District meeting I will announce the winners. I will also publicize the results for all posts to see. At present, I have (14) fourteen Posts that have begun contributions. I have (12) twelve Posts that have yet to jump in. As I stated in the beginning of the year, the District cannot meet its budget requirements without the support from our Posts and this is the only financial request I will make from each Post. It will be up to each Post, Commanders, to decide their level of support. Please include your Auxiliary, SAL Squadron and Riders Chapter in your effort. The Hospitality Suite is for all to enjoy !