As our new 2022-2023 club season gets under way, I am struck by a sense of immense optimism and pride.
This is my sixth and in theory, last “rentrée” as President of the American Club of Paris. I could not be prouder of all we have accomplished in these past five years. We weathered a global pandemic and came out stronger and more united than ever. The club thrives today as we could not have imagined in the spring of 2020.
If I look purely at the numbers, I can tell you that we have a lot to be optimistic about. This year our first speaker luncheon of this season attracted close to 60 people who thoroughly enjoyed the talk by Former French Ambassador to the United States, Gérard Araud. Our annual La Rentrée Cocktail saw 110 members and friends gather in the glorious gardens of the Cercle Interallié to celebrate a new season at the American Club with a glass of champagne. Last year we were overjoyed to see close to 85 people so with over 100 this year you can why I’m so optimistic. And the turnout at our last Happy Hour at Le Gatsby, not only has me feeling optimistic but a little worried. Who would have expected to see 78 people join in our legendary Happy Hour? We seem to be a victim of our success.
So yes, our club is growing in numbers. It is also growing in stature and reputation. We are seeing that many new members are finding us on social media, others are coming to the club through their friends who are already members. This leads you to believe that indeed the American Club is a family. A family of like-minded members dedicated to the cause of warm French American relations and at the same time from different cultural and political backgrounds. I am so happy to see a new-found diversity in our membership.
In closing, I wish to welcome you to the American Club of Paris for another fabulous season of events and the opportunity to meet new friends.
Most sincerely,
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