Without Annual Luncheon, Holly Washington Club Seeks Donations
(Joe Mishler, Jan. 29, 2021)
Holly, MI – The oldest George Washington Club in the United States has cancelled its annual luncheon because of the Covid virus. The Holly Washington Club would have celebrated its 126th Luncheon in February to honor the first president of the United States George Washington. Traditionally the Luncheon is presented the third Thursday of February.
The club celebrates the life, work and accomplishments of George Washington. He was the first American veteran, Commander in chief of the Continental Army during the America Revolution, President of the Constitution Convention, and the first president of the United States.
In these trying times, the Washington Club wishes to keep the memory and spirit of George Washington alive.
The Washington Club holds a luncheon once a year and has done so since 1892 with the exception of two years: 1918 because of World War I and 1920 the Flu pandemic. Through the years the club has met in different locations around Holly. After lunch is served, a speech about George Washington is presented, often school children perform, the scholarship essay is presented. Approximately 130-150 people attended the luncheon, and that number has been growing over the past ten years. In recent years, the luncheon has been held at the Holly First Baptist Church.
A brief meeting is held to present the officers for the next year. Currently Richard Kinnamon is the President, Laura Oldaugh is Vice President, Kaye Thorsby is Secretary and Pat Walls is the Treasurer. The club will retain the same officers and board for next year.
There is also a board of advisors: Joe Mishler, Ina Golden, Dale Smith, Tom McKenney, Chester Koop, Virgil Long, and Pat Pfenning,
The scholarship is open to any Holly Area Schools Senior. One of the requirements is the student has to write a 300 word essay about the importance of George Washington. This is a $500 Scholarship which is usually presented at the Luncheon by the student.
Even though the luncheon is cancelled, the Club will still present the scholarship. They will also produce a video which will present the history of the club and a speech about George Washington. When the scholarship is determined, a video will be made of the essay and it will be presented. These Videos will be posted on the Holly Washington Club Facebook Page.
The Washington Club is a 501(c) 3 non-profit. If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, we would greatly appreciate your gift. Contact Richard Kinnamon 248-215-7099, Kaye Thorsby 248-245-0331, or Pat Walls 810-535-5460 for donation information and for more information.
Check out pictures from last year’s event here.
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