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NFFC Members Vote to Change Name
8/16/2009 10:22 PM ESTLONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, August 15, 2009—Gary Schaengold, President of NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts, today announced the results from the recent NFFC Name Change vote as contained in the Teller's Vote Tabulation Report to the NFFC Board of Directors.
"There were 220 validly cast ballots," Schaengold reported, "of which 166 members voted in favor of the name change and 54 voted against the name change."
A total of 268 votes were cast during the balloting period, which was open to members of record from June 22, 2009 through the end of July 22, 2009. During that balloting period, NFFC members were asked to either ACCEPT or REJECT a proposed name change for the organization from NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts to Disneyana Fan Club. Each family membership was entitled to one vote per membership.
Of the total number of votes cast, 48 were disqualified primarily for failure to properly complete a ballot. The Teller's report concluded that the total number of improperly cast ballots was insufficient to affect the final outcome of the election.
The Next Step
Acceptance of the measure by the membership of NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts to change the name of the organization to Disneyana Fan Club does not complete the process. Following the reading of the Teller's report into the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting, as prescribed by Robert's Rules of Order, Schaengold and NFFC Secretary Koko Witz, who also acted as Teller for the election, completed a Certificate of Amendment to be submitted to the California Secretary of State.
In order to conduct business and ensure the safety of its members and guests during its various events, NFFC must, by California law, be incorporated as a non-profit entity. The California Secretary of State's office supervises all organizations incorporated within the state and makes the final determination that any amendment to a business or organization's charter conforms to California State Corporate law.
A determination as to the validity of the vote to amend the current NFFC charter by the California Secretary of State's office is expected within the next 35 to 45 days.
The New Name
"The name National Fantasy Fan Club, which we later shortened to NFFC and still later amended to include the tagline The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts, has always presented our group with a series of challenges," said NFFC President Gary Schaengold. "It just didn't do a very good job of telling people who we are and what we're all about."
Twenty-five years ago, the group's founders chose the club's original name, National Fantasy Fan Club, at a time when it was widely believed that the Walt Disney Company would strenuously object to the use of any name that even marginally suggested affiliation with the company. Since that time, assisted by the rise in popularity of the Internet, use of Disney-themed names by unofficial Disney fan groups has become common practice.
"Earlier this year, our previous Board, under the direction of my predecessor Kendra Trehan, determined that changing our name had become critical to the continued long-term success of our club," said Schaengold. "The Board voted to begin the process of officially changing our name to Disneyana Fan Club, which more accurately describes who we are and lessens the need to explain what our club is about to people who aren't familiar with us."
About NFFC
NFFC The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Walt Disney. Our common goal is to provide Disneyana enthusiasts of all ages from around the world with news, information, and events that enhance their experience with, and love of, all things Disney.
This goal is achieved through the publication of a member newsletter, the Fantasy Line Express, and by hosting national and international members, along with local NFFC chapters, where members can trade information, learn more about their favorite collectables, hold group outings and activities, and just have fun!
NFFC is equally dedicated to sharing Walt Disney's artistic legacy as well as Disney magic with those in need. Through a series of charitable fund raising events, NFFC helps to support inner-city arts programs and to assist families and children affected by major illness to find a little happiness at Disney parks.
By far, the biggest and most popular means of expanding the magic are the NFFC All Disneyana Conferences and Expos—held at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts—where members are informed and entertained by Imagineers, animators, entertainers, authors, and artists from every facet of the Walt Disney Company, along with many independent Disney experts. Additionally, NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sales, which are open to the public, provide an unparalleled experience and opportunity for Disneyana and autograph collectors.
Website: nffc.org
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