In this article from the Burton programme, Dons Trust Board member Mark Davis has news of some events to look forward to this season, and appeals for volunteers.
Many of you will remember fundraising events that have been held to raise money for the Dons Trust. These have included dinners and buffet evenings attended by heroes from the club’s recent and more distant history, sponsored walks, sponsored runs, six-a- side football tournaments and occasional matchday raffles. These events have provided occasional but welcome boosts to the Trust’s funds, alongside ongoing fundraising schemes such as the Dons Draw and Golden Goals, not to mention some very memorable entertainment.
These events have been organised and run by a small group of volunteers who plan and run events over the course of a season. The group met recently to plan events to be run over the coming months. Some of the ideas put forward need to be investigated further before they can be brought to fruition. Crucially, one of the things we need to do is find people who can take responsibility for organising them as well as help to run them on the day. If you think you can help in either capacity, then please email me on mark.davis@thedonstrust.org. We would also welcome ideas for new events.
One event which we intend to repeat this season, having established itself as a very popular and affordable evening’s entertainment in previous years, is an evening’s buffet and banter with popular players and members of the management team from the club’s recent history. The last of these evenings, held in January, was Gossip, Goals and Glory, and featured Jon Main, Alan Inns and Ben Judge. The feedback about the evening was enormously positive, and we intend to run something similar in the New Year.
Another event, for the spring, is a repeat of our minithon. To date, we have run two of these events – short sponsored fun runs around Morden Park. The emphasis has been on inclusivity rather than athleticism, and participants of all ages, shapes and fitness levels have taken part. So, whether you’re a couch potato looking for an incentive to do some not too demanding exercise, or a fitness fanatic who would like to include a fun run with fellow Dons in your training programme, this could be for you.
Ray Armfield and Paul Jeater will be running a silent auction on Saturday 20 December before our home match against Mansfield Town. Our silent auctions have raised thousands of pounds, and provide the chance to bid for some special lots that make great Christmas presents for Dons supporters and sports fans in general. If you have any items of Dons memorabilia or other items that you are willing to donate, please contact me on using the email address above.
Volunteers
Besides fundraising events, we are looking for volunteers to step forward for a number of other roles. First, we need some people to help us take forward the next phase of the consultation with supporters on season ticket pricing that was discussed at the last Special General Meeting of the Dons Trust. With a Dons Trust Board election coming up shortly, we also need some new people for the Election Steering Group. If you can help out with the consultation group, then please contact me via the above email address. To volunteer for the Election Steering Group, contact David Hall via secretary@thedonstrust.org