by Keri Sutter, DTM
Midday Madness Toastmasters in Albuquerque, NM, chartered 25 years ago on May 5, 1986. So we had to PARTY!!! Two celebrations (yes, Mid Mad is a party club), one at a club meeting/open house held on June 2 and a casual party for members, their families and friends, at a member’s home on June 5.
Not a single charter member remains, but the club is still going strong, attaining President’s Distinguished Club status for the 12th consecutive year.
That was not always the case.
In 1996, the club nearly died. Only 5 or 6 people were attending meetings. Sometimes there were even fewer. Two people are largely responsible for the resurrection of Midday Madness: Carolyn Rigirozzi and Ron Chapman. Ron provided the initial energy, but says, “Carolyn was insistent on building strong leadership practices that have served the club well ever since. It was during that time that the long string of President’s Distinguished began.”
There is one other facet to Midday Madness that makes the club unique. According to club legends, the people who chartered Midday Madness were women. They decided to create a club that was based on relationships and people, rather than rules and protocol. Former member Bob Borgeson said it very clearly when he stated, “If we take care of the people and their needs, the results will follow.” That attitude is what has kept Midday Madness great for 25 years – and will for the next 25!
