18/03/2020
Chapter Leaders and Web Designates,
Many of you have been asking about the status of the SRD 2020 scheduled for May. Sadly, this date falls in the time frame that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a directive of "no large meetings or conferences" in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Therefore we have NO CHOICE but to cancel the dates of May 7-8-9 at this venue. I have been in discussion with our host hotel and unfortunately the reschedule options are few. There are too many unknowns in this scenario; how long will this international event will linger, if the dates for IRD will be moved and a lack of choices from the hotel far enough out to allow our members to feel comfortable.
So, it looks like we will have a chance to do something new and different this year! We are going to celebrate and honor our Division Winners, KOPS Graduates, Alumni, KOPS Longevity, Century Winners and Crown our State Royalty during our June and/or August Fun Days all around the State! We may just use Facetime live for some of these special events to allow other members in Oklahoma to enjoy it as well! (how exciting) And then, at 2021 SRD, we will have a special honor (you will have to wait and see) for our 2020 winners. We have never done this and of course we would rather honor our winners in the normal SRD manner, but you have to admit, this year is certainly not normal!
So it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that we will cancel the VENUE for our SRD recognition, but not the recognition of our WINNERS!
Members will be refunded all money paid toward SRD and will need to cancel their hotel registrations as soon as possible. Should they still desire to purchase any shirts (Green Back to the Basics, the Blue Oklahoma T-shirt or the Pink TOPS is Flamazing Flamingo shirt) we will make those shirts available for order and purchase.
I know you may be disappointed (as am I) but this appears to be the best decision at this time.
Thank you for understanding. As plans are finalized, the advocates and I will be in touch with those who will be recognized to provide further information. Please reach out to me or the Advocates if you have any questions as we begin to make this a very Special Year(s) for our Winners!
Maria Alexander