Thanks, Jeri - well said. Always good to hear from you.

In this day and age, in particular, I think it is very short-sighted to look at the capital campaign solicitation in terms of "why would I pay this much to get a sweatshirt".    The payoff is not the sweatshirt and that was the whole point of the retrospective video. 

The payoff is the opportunity for Olivia (of which all lesbians are a part and/or realize a benefit, in the larger sense, whether they've ever traveled with Olivia or not) to continue to be a strong force for changing the world for the better on behalf of women and lesbians everywhere.  As the retrospective video reminded us, a group of committed lesbians can make wonderful things happen.  Not everyone will have the ability, or even the interest, to be a part of the Charter Membership group and that's to be expected.  But kudos to those who believe that becoming a part of the group, or helping it in any small way that they can, is a commitment to something larger than an opportunity to get a sweatshirt, a pin, or something special on a trip.

I give Judy huge credit for a very bold, creative and wide-reaching step to secure a speedier and stronger recovery for Olivia, after some rough financial weather and seas created by former employees, the lawsuit and the economy.  I'm sure the decision to send the capital campaign solicitation letter was not an easy one and I'd be willing to bet the pros and cons of it were highly debated by staff internally prior to the ultimate "go" decision and mailing. Judy is at the helm and she's the deal breaker or deal maker.  Her decision to make this request is evidence that she is committed to doing whatever it takes to keep Olivia alive and well and I'm supportive of her and that.

Certainly, the decision of whether - or how - to respond to the solicitation is a very personal one.  I respect the opinions of those who see no merit to responding at all.  I respect those who decide they are currently in no financial position to respond other than with best wishes.  But I suspect that there are many who have or will respond with funds.  And that the number of us who wish we could respond at the highest levels requested, because we would if we could, are many. We want to support Olivia's mission and only wish we had more wherewithall to do so. These are tough financial times for many of us and I'm sure Judy is appreciative of any support we can give and any financial amount that we can commit. 

Olivia represents far more than a vacation and has been very important in improving our lives and our world over the decades.

 One thing I can tell you is you got to be free
Come together right now over me - John Lennon

As always, Jeri, you have the answers we are looking for!  As a budget traveler, I am sorry to see the discounts go.  2 of the 3 trips we have been on have been as a direct result of special offers but I would rather go less often and go Olivia than go often in mainstream travel.

We love you Jeri!

Warmth back at you Jeri.

Thanks for the clarification.............

Julie

> ^..^ <

Thanks for clarifying things Jeri!

And to answer your questions ~

Where do you want to go next?  Anywhere Olivia takes us!!!

Let us take you there!  Olivia does! Every time!!!

Hello -

I appreciate the debate and feedback here. We are listening!

I cannot comment on the lawsuit other than to confirm it was settled. Olivia is taking the high road and moving forward.

Olivia has taken great steps to remain financially healthy because we plan to be around for you forever. We have an amazing team here committed to making that happen.

We have reduced our inventory for 2009 and 2010 to enable us to get away from 2for1 pricing. For several years, we have had too much inventory which sometimes resulted in discounting. This was unfair to those who booked early and not good for the business.

I have been with Olivia for 13 years and I am already seeing a return to days past where the highest categories and lowest categories fill up immediately, which confirms to me that we are getting back on track. You have to book early to get your first selection on room and price point.

We will continue to give away 2for1's on the trips. Since this will be the only way to get them, it will become a far more fabulous prize! They will not conflict with the Best Price Guarantee, so no worries.

If you are upset or concerned by the letter and/or membership program Judy is open to speaking with you directly. Feel free to e-mail me at jeriu@olivia.com and I will coordinate a telephone call.

In 2009 we have already had two AMAZING cruises (Barbados and Caribbean Islands), an AMAZING resort trip (Ixtapa) and we've got a group of women sailing the Tahitian Islands at this moment. Our next resort (Columbus Isle) and our Ultimate Escape cruise (Amsterdam) are just around the corner.

The best way to support Olivia is to book a vacation ... if you don't have an Olivia trip on the books, give us a call at 800.631.6277 and we’ll hook you up. If you want to speak to me directly, my extension is 630.

Where do you want to go next? Let us take you there!

Warmly,

Jeri

Here here Barb. Thanks for clarification re settlements & I agree with your supporting comments on Olivia.

If indeed Olivia chose to settle the lawsuit, they probably would have saved quite a bit of money.  Once a lawsuit is filed, you HAVE to respond and comply with all steps of the legal process; none of which is cheap and actually going to trial is SUPER expensive.  Settlement is often the cheapest route to settling a lawsuit and you are active in the settlement decision, not subject to a judge or jury's decision on which you have no input whatsoever.

I believe in the services Olivia offers.  I have enjoyed my vacations with them immensely.  They offer something very special that fills needs we cannot meet in very many other ways.  While I may not be sending in cash, I always share my wonderful experiences with other women who may choose to travel with Olivia.  When I can afford a trip, my preference is with Olivia; nothing beats it when we are "beautiful together."  I especially love the incredible musical entertainment on cruises; a big draw for me.

Best wishes to Olivia continuing and succeeding in the future.

Barb

evergreen ~ great minds think alike!!!

little devil - yes! that's the Yin to my Yang!!!

If you think the fees that are charged for lesbians to be themselves are ‘high end’ ~ then go out there and work for justice & equality ~ so we’re not seen as ‘abnormal’ & we can ‘feel free’ to cruise anywhere we please!  This is a specialty market and specialty markets always charge more!

I never ‘blindly donate’ to anyone ~ in fact we are probably better off then most right now because of how well we place or money!  And we feel confident with some of our money going to Olivia in a short time of need.  You don’t kick your friends when they’re down!!!

And the ‘economy’ isn’t ‘convenient’ for anyone right now!  It happens to be Reality!

The ‘extravagant overhead’ you refer to was caused by the ‘former’ CEO, and has been cut back so the business can be run efficiently and stay afloat in financially tough times for many business!

Get up with the times ~ today many lawsuits are settle out of court ~ whether the accusations were true or not!

And if Olivia really bothers you this much ~ just walk away ~ your health is not worth it!!!

I kinda like that

OliviaTravel36060 ~ would your name happen to be Amy!?!