Fellowship Fund helps members with interest-free loans

The National Press Club Fellowship Committee has an unwritten history that dates back to the 1930s Depression-era, when members sought to help others in the Club with sudden financial problems.

The Committee became an unofficial channel for members to offer temporary relief to other members who were between jobs or who were in desperate need.

As time passed, a welfare fund was established, controlled by the committee. Checks are signed by the Club's financial officers. Outright gifts were made to financially strapped members.

These funds were replenished, often with extra money returned in appreciation. In recent years, however, this "handshake" practice was not continued and funds were not returned.

The committee changed the procedure and the practice became an interest-free loan. Now, the gift is acknowledged with a signed receipt and must be repaid unless otherwise required.

The committee formerly used its welfare fund to send best wishes to ailing members, with cards placed at the front desk for a week or so to allow for as many signatures as possible before mailing.

Sometimes, the committee felt that a long-term member should get a potted plant or other floral remembrance. The Fellowship Committee encourages contributions to its fund as a memorial to deceased Club members of their choosing.

Thanks to members' support, the Fellowship Fund has been adequate for its modest program over the years. It is not a formal part of the Club's budgetary process, but is maintained and managed as the Committee decides.

In recent years, as the membership has become more diverse and members do not all know one another, the practice of placing "get well" cards at the front desk for signatures has been abandoned.

Only rarely has a member sought a small loan. The Fellowship Committee has stood ready when asked and still sends flowers to ill and recuperating members.

The Fellowship Committee is headed by John Cosgrove, senior past president of the Club from 1961. Don Larrabee, 1973 president, is vice chair. Also on the committee are 1993 President Clayton Boyce and Golden Owl Gwen Gibson, a retired former UPI reporter.