Category Number: 11
Category Name: Safety Programs
CMAA Member’s Name: Gregory Webb, CCM
Club Name: The Kansas City Country Club

Description of Idea- How has this idea enhanced your club’s operation, etc?
For years, one of the most dangerous thinks we did was allow an open bar at the employee party, held annually at the Club. I know of at least five employees on staff that have had a DUI before they started working here or since. All of them are under the age of 25. This year, instead of having an open bar, or elimination drinking at the party, we provided tickets that could be used three different ways.

• For a drink
• As a raffle ticket
• Could be purchased back at the end of the evening at a price to be determined by a spin of the wheel.

No one was intoxicated at the end of the evening. The wheel spinning and the raffle took on a whole new meaning as the staff, many in their twenties, had given up drinking for a chance at big bucks or an I-pod or similar gift. The wheel spinning was the most popular with spots on the wheel ranging for $1 to $100 to employee meal of your choice to paid day off. One person hit the $100 spot and walked away with $500! To top it off, nobody failed to show up for work the next day and the Club was not nearly as dirty as in years past. Everyone loved the idea and had a good time.

How was this idea implemented and what have been the club members’ reactions?
We kept the plan a secret. The employees all checked in upon arrival, were carded and their wrists were stamped. They each received an envelope containing a description of what was to happen that night with the tickets and the tickets themselves. We secured from the State of Kansas complimentary anti-drunken driving “Turn ‘em over to someone sober” drink coasters and pamphlets. These were distributed through the dining areas. The average member probably does not know what we did that night. I did tell the Board before the party and reported back on its success afterwards. They were pleased that we managed to save the party and mitigate the drunken driving risk associated with hosting employee parties.