Source: Orange County Hounds (OCH)
Purpose: Fund raising; nurturing camaraderie & connection among hunts
How it Works:
OCH board member Jane Bishop and co-organizer Emily Hannum jumped on the vixens meet concept when Emily saw its success at another hunt. Jane states: “I’ve worked on many fund-raisers, and have found this is the most easy and fun way to raise funds to supplement hunt subscriptions. It’s also an exciting and super cool way to celebrate women fox hunters!” Here’s how they do it.
Invitations are emailed to hunt secretaries and friends requesting they distribute to female masters, subscribers, staff and juniors. Jane and Emily have been de-lighted to see how fast people spread the word, especially through text messaging.
The first year of their Vixens Meet, had 80 participants, and in the second year 100. They do not set a participant limit, as the logistics of limiting the numbers out-weigh the benefits. A percentage of those who sign up will doubtlessly cancel for one reason or another. A rain date is given and instructions to call the hunt tape to confirm place and time if weather looks questionable.
To establish the charge for participation, a hunt’s capping fee is a good consideration. OCH uses their higher Saturday capping fee. Subscribers, as well as visitors, pay the day’s capping fee because of the required extra day of hunting for staff, hounds and horses. Waivers are done electronically and checks requested in advance.
To aid a good day’s hunting, the current best territory is used. Someone hosts a stirrup cup before the field sets off, and at hunt’s end a themed and fun luncheon is offered in the field. One meet in December featured tables dressed with Christ-mas decorations. Chili, hot soup, and pink champagne are popular, and boxed lunches are available for those who have long drives home.
Dinners are offered to participants who arrive the night before. On the day of the meet, volunteers help with parking and any last minute payments and waivers.
Of course hunts can tailor their vixen meets to their environments. However it’s done, the evidence is strong that this is indeed a “fun and easy way” to raise funds and boost camaraderie and connection among hunts.
For more information about this practice, contact the MFHA at 540-883-0883 or office@mfha.com.
Entries posted with “Notes” are for information and education and represent the views, opinions, conclusions, recommendations and experiences of the submitting parties. Their inclusion does not constitute endorsement or warranty by the MFHA of the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the postings.
