The very first family reunion was held in 1983 in Ecorse Michigan. The Detroit Host Committee put on a great show, welcoming family from all around. The next one wasn't until 1989 down in Birmingham, AL and it was decided then that the reunion would be hosted it every 2 years by a volunteer host; usually a city that has a large enough base that can handle such an event. The reunion is usually a 3 day event and can be organized however the host committee sees fits.

 

Here is a breakdown of the weekend. Since our family is so large and spread across the continent, there are people flying or driving in all day. On Friday, we kick off the reunion with a meet and greet which gives family members time to check-in and get settled. At that time you can pick up your reunion packet which includes the itinerary for the weekend, t-shirts, local info, etc. This is also a time to have some refreshments and just mingle. 

​

Saturday is the main day of the reunion and usually consists of the most activities. It could be anything from a picnic and sight-seeing to a dinner cruise or a banquet dinner, or even a variety show, you name it, we've done it. Whatever the host committee plans, it will be something exciting so that we can bond as a family and get to know one another.

​

The weekend is rounded out with a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning; it's usually pretty early though since most people are checking out and heading home. Even though it is the final event of the weekend, it is a pretty important one. We are not having church but we will say a little prayer for you and as a group, the family decides where the next reunion will be held. There's no pattern to it, we just throw out suggestions and hope that a family member can commit to taking on this great feat along with an energetic team.

​

It's hard work but in the end, it's so worth it. And even if you don't have a team, you can recruit people from other areas, do conference calls, whatever you have to do to make it work.

​

So far the reunions have been held in the following cities:

Detroit - 1983

Birmingham - 1989

Chicago - 1991

Crystal City - 1993

Detroit - 1995

Hartford - 1997

St. Louis - 1999

Indianapolis - 2001

Columbus - 2003

Las Vegas - 2005

Dulles - 2009

Bloomington - 2011

Detroit - 2013 (30 year celebration)

Los Angeles - 2015

Cleveland - 2017

Atlanta - 2019

Birmingham - 2022

Fort Lauderdale - 2024

 

 

Since the reunions can get pretty expensive, we decided to do them every two years so that people can have time to plan and save. Each family is asked to pay a 'per person' fee that will cover just about everything you do that weekend. The host committee will do it's best to keep the cost as low as possible such as reaching out to companies to get discounts, doing fundraisers, or just good old bargaining and bartering. But please know that any money collected is going to great use like T-Shirts, activities, food and refreshments and so much more. 

 

Are you ready to host a reunion? We'd love to come and see you! Feel

free to reach out to other family members that have hosted to get some insight, and maybe next time you can volunteer.

​

​

​