On Friday evening December 8th, 2023 at Receptions Banquet Event in Fairfield we gathered for our annual holiday Gala.
This event has multiple purposes including installing the new 2024 slate of Officers, recognizing many for their outstanding contributions and achievements over the course of the year and simply a “thank you” to all who have contributed so much to our mission and cause.
George Stewart handed over the reins of the chapter to incoming President Scott Freeman.
George received a wonderful super sized round “Challenge Coin” which he championed while Chapter President. An awesome gift in recognition to his faithful service to our chapter.
The awards venue was new and it worked out awesome. Recently costs of hosting banquets such as this have become challenging. We thank the leadership team for having the courage and determination to find this alternative. We were not disappointed.
New this year was a silent auction to raise money to offset some of the costs of this event. Over 800 dollars was raised. Some really nice items were available. Great idea for a new way to raise money and create a bit of a bidding frenzy. Thanks to all who contributed their donations for this great cause.
Following the meal was the passing of the torch. George’s final acts were to recognize chapter and member achievements.
Many awards were distributed as one would expect for a chapter highly recognized within the National SAR organization. For more information on the Awards and Recognition’s earned by Chapter Members, see the link below:
https://cincinnatisar.org/2023-chapter-awards-and-recognitions/
George shared that the Cincinnati Chapter was recognized as the #1 chapter in the SAR organization. Cincinnati consistently ranks very high and this is a testament to the leadership and dedicated group of men who faithfully contribute .
Representatives Don Miller (President—Ohio SAR), Steve Hinson (Central District SAR President) and Steve Kaplan (1st VP—Ohio Society SAR) were present. President Miller and Hinson directly participated in the swearing in of new officers for the Cincinnati 2024 chapter leadership team.
Jesse Moore and his wife also were there and recognized for their many years of service and support of the SAR at the Chapter, State and National level.
This was a great event! I am proud to be part of an organization whom has so many dedicated and patriotic members.
George Stewart (l) with Clay Crandall (r)
Looking for a great 2024 and excited for all the events and contributions our SAR chapter will make in the communities we live and serve.
Onward!
