Info on a Class Brooch for Our 4th Reunion
Classmates, as we approach the significant milestone of our 45th reunion it seems appropriate that we should look for ways to make it memorable. As you are aware, there are not going to be any "gifts" in your reunion package in order to reduce the cost of the reunion. An opportunity has come up, for those of you who chose to participate, to enjoy a wonderful piece of jewelry unique to the Class of 1965.
Ann Hand is one of the most distinctive and prominent jewelry designers in Washington, D.C. Her creations have been chosen by The White House, Department of State and Department of Defense as diplomatic gifts for foreign dignitaries worldwide. She has been commissioned to produce original works for national and international organizations, including the design for The Race for the Cure "Victory Pin" which raises funds for breast cancer research. You can visit the Collection at her website: www.annhand.com.
Ann Hand will design a brooch for our class which highlights our class crest. The piece can be worn as a brooch or on an Omega. The process requires the class to make a commitment to have the brooch designed and then, when the design is approved, a model is made. When the model is approved, production can begin. There is sufficient time to have this ready for the 45th reunion. The brooch will be sterling silver with 18kt gold plate. It is available in 18kt at a significantly higher price.
The cost of the design and model is a flat fee of $2500 which would be divided up amongst those purchasing a brooch. Another possibility is that one or more of our classmates could sponsor the design and would receive recognition for his contribution. The production costs for the brooch varies with the cost of gold, which we all know has risen sharply in the last several years. At the time of commitment we will be given a "not to exceed" price. Currently the brooch is estimated to cost between $125 and $150 each. This is in addition to the design costs. Also, there is a minimum initial order of 100. So let's do the math, if we have 100 classmates willing to purchase one brooch, the share of the design cost would be $25 ($2500 divided by 100) plus $125 to $150 or a total cost in the range of $150 to $175. If we got 200 orders the total cost would be in the range of $138 to $163.
The class of '57 recently undertook a similar project and had 120 sign up for the initial order. When the brooch was unveiled at their reunion, an additional 45 wives of classmates foolish enough not to participate in the first order had to sign up for the second order. Guys don't make this decision on your own. Consult with your wife or significant other or you may regret it later.
Please indicate you interest in the brooch by emailing or calling Mike Epprecht at or 410-476-3082. Anyone interested in sponsoring the design and model costs would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Epprecht