Why not plan a normal Reunion? Or just skip it this year?
Reasons for Going Virtual
COVID-19 Uncertainty
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to all of our lives on a personal level, and led to changes and event cancellations worldwide.
Because of all this uncertainty, the Reunion Planning Committee came to the decision that signing a hotel contract would be financially irresponsible, and that a large family gathering could present health risks to our beloved family members that would not be worth taking.
However, the Committee also felt that cancelling or delaying the Reunion would be a violation of our duties as preservers of the Sherard Family Reunion tradition.
60 Years of Tradition
The Sherard Family has come together for a celebration of family and love on the first weekend of August every other year since 1962. That is a strong and proud tradition that we simply cannot break.
We are Sherards, we CAN and we WILL make it happen! We’ve seen other groups and organizations skip a year and never recover. With everything that’s going on in the world right now, family togetherness, love, and support is more valuable than ever.
So we came up with the idea of a Virtual Reunion. Of course, it can’t fully duplicate the experience of a traditional Sherard Family Reunion, but it also opens us up to many new possibilities and experiences.
Embracing Technology
This Virtual Reunion is an opportunity to see how many ways we can use technology to bridge physical distances and generation gaps between us in ways we’ve never been able to before. Even if you’re not so keen on the technology, isn’t it at least worth a try to connect with your cousins?
We are working on going multi-platform, so that you be part of the action using whatever you feel comfortable with (YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, Twitch, etc.).
Read more about the Virtual Reunion plans to see how we are going to create an awesome weekend experience!
Virtual vs Traditional
There are plenty of differences between a Virtual Reunion and a Traditional Reunion, but there are also lots of things they have in common. There’s even a few things the Virtual Reunion has that a Traditional one can’t have!
Feel The Family Love
You may not be able to hug and kiss your loved ones, but you you can still share smiles and laughter. You may even get the opportunity to see those who are usually unable to travel. It even gives you a chance to see some family members share their home lifestyles.
Meet New Cousins
The Reunion always includes activities that help people connect with similar interests. The Virtual Reunion will have even more of this, you’ll be able to meet cousins anywhere in the world. If you volunteer as a Session Host, you can even create your own Zoom club.
Save Money & Stress
For a traditional Reunion there are registration fees, travel costs (plane, train, or auto gas), hotel costs, and the stress of packing! For the Virtual Reunion the $10/person registration fee is affordable for everyone, and you can attend from the comfort of your own home.
Celebrate Heritage
Family Reunions are a chance to share stories and connect across generations. Embracing technology will open up so many opportunities for our family.
Flexible Participation
Normally you’d have to clear your whole weekend for travel. But with the Virtual Reunion you’re just a click away from joining in any time!
Have Some Fun!
The Reunion is always FUN! This one will be no different! We will have a weekend full of activities to keep all ages entertained.
Virtual Reunion Budget
Just because it is virtual doesn’t mean its free! Even the simplest of Reunions costs money. The Reunion Treasurer’s goal is to have each reunion be self-financed so that we always keep adequate seed money in the account for the next Reunion.
Virtual Reunion Example Expenses
The following estimates should give you an idea of some of the types and amounts of the various expenses incurred by a Virtual Reunion. This list is not all inclusive.
- Zoom Subscription – $15 per month
- Marketing Mailing – $500
- Website Hosting – $300 per year
- Reunion Scholarship – at least $500
- MountainView Support – $500