Sweetheart Information for Homecoming

EXALTED RULERS, LODGE SWEETHEARTS & MEMBERS:
 
HOMECOMING 2024 is September 20-21 at Texas Elks Children’s Camp in Ottine TX. The purpose of Homecoming is to have fun, renew friendships, make new friends and raise money for our State Major Project: the Texas Elks Camp and Texas Elks Grants for children with special needs.
In an effort to make the Homecoming 2024 experience a fun one for everyone, the following guidelines were developed from input based on previous years:

• Each Sweetheart will receive (1) 6 foot table with 2 chairs under the pavilion. Tables are on a first come basis beginning Thursday night. Sweethearts may begin selling at Noon on Friday. Booth hours are Friday 12:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 9:00 to 2:00. Signs with diagrams will be posted at the front and back of the pavilion with table assignments to make it easier to find Lodge Sweethearts. At 2PM Saturday all raffles and silent auctions must be closed and winners announced.
• If the Sweetheart activity/sales/game requires more than one 6 foot table can accommodate, requires any part of the activity to be set up in the aisle, requires cooking equipment or a generator – he/she must contact TECSI staff no later than Monday September 12 to discuss arrangements for setup outside of the pavilion. If the Sweetheart is setting up outside the pavilion, he/she will need to bring their own tables and chairs.
• Sweethearts can determine which forms of payment they will accept at their booth and will provide their own supplies/devices: cash, credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, etc. An ATM will be available on site.
• Check in for your table on Friday before setting up. You will be provided a tally sheet to complete and turn in before the end of the day on Saturday. This allows us to track how much money is raised during Homecoming.  We will also ask if you will be accepting credit cards for your Live Auction item.

 
The following information is in the Homecoming Sweetheart Standards:

1. Once a table is set up, you are responsible for the items on that table.
2. Please bring only ONE item for the Live Auction (at least $100 value). Please provide a written description of your item and a minimum starting bid if desired. We are not responsible for your live auction item until check-in on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
3. The electricity under the pavilion has been upgraded and there are a few more outlets. However, it is only available around the perimeter. If you need electricity, please arrive early enough to reserve one of those tables. If you are erecting a canopy adjacent to your booth, it cannot be larger than 8 ft x 8ft.
4. You can do raffles, games, silent auction or have items for sale. No alcohol can be sold by the drink. Only bottles of wine or liquor can be used at your booth.
5. All raffles MUST be completed and the winner(s) announced PRIOR to the start of the Live Auction.
6. You are responsible for collecting payment for all items at your table.

NOTE: All auction winners pay for each auction item separately, regardless of form of payment used. This year the payment station will be set up near the bathrooms under the pavilion. The purchaser and the Lodge Sweetheart will meet there to complete the transaction. This will enable us to process payment and forms more quickly with minimal wait time after the close of the auction.
Our goal is for every Lodge Sweetheart in Texas to take advantage of this opportunity to raise funds for our State Major Project. Please participate by representing your Lodge with a table and a Live Auction item. If you cannot attend, please send a representative from your Lodge. I encourage everyone to join us for the festivities!
​
Sincerely,
Kim McDermott
Red Pig/Interlodge Activities Chair
[email protected]
972-523-5508

---