Message from Bill Dunn
Aug 15, 2013
Greetings, Wachovia Old Gang members,
Many of us have served as volunteers and board members of non-profit organizations during our banking careers. I want to share my recent experiences with Road Scholar, a not-for-profit organization founded as Elderhostel in 1975 to provide educational travel opportunities for older adults. Road Scholar programs occur in all 50 states and more than 150 countries with an emphasis on education and fellowship through exploration and guided access to the world’s most fascinating sites and treasures. All that’s needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
My wife and I have participated in over a dozen Road Scholar programs and have only the highest praise for the organization. Because I have enjoyed my travels, believe in the mission and wanted to share the experience with others, several years ago I agreed to become an unpaid volunteer Road Scholar Ambassador to speak to groups of seniors and explain the benefits of educational travel.
Last year I was invited to join Elderhostel’s Board of Directors. While still new to the Board I have been impressed with the large scale and financial soundness of the organization. Their annual revenue is approaching $200 million from serving almost 100 thousand participants annually. Elderhostel has managed consistently through careful fiscal management to generate a modest surplus even during these difficult economic times.
Two program categories may have a special interest to you individually or the Wachovia Old Gang:
- Service Learning- These programs involve hands-on work in support of a community need, such as conducting wildlife research, tutoring children on an Indian Reservation or restoring an historic structure.
- Charters- An affinity group, such as the Wachovia Old Gang, can decide to travel together by choosing any of Road Scholar program for their exclusive participation. General Electric retirees, for example, annually charter a service program.
If you would like to know more, please visit the website: www.roadscholar.org to view current program offerings. There, you can also subscribe to free catalogues and learn more about chartering a program. Please feel free to contact me directly to answer any questions about Elderhostel and Road Scholar programs. I would very much like to hear from you about any Road Scholar programs in which you may have participated.
Best wishes and happy travels,
Bill Dunn
130 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW
Atlanta, GA 30305-4112
Cell: 404-213-4752
email: billdunn46@gmail.com