When you see people wearing matching gold shirts at events around Snyder, they are showing off their love and support for the community.
As part of the Snyder Chamber of Commerce, the Snyder Gold Coats attend and volunteer at events and ribbon-cuttings year-round.
“It’s been a great experience,” Gold Coat member Rose Ragland said. “You meet a lot of people, and it’s a good way to give back to the community.”
Fellow Gold Coat member John Rogers agreed that working the events has been a good experience.
“I like working at these events as a greeter and meeting people from out-of-town,” Rogers said. “Helping out at events where you get to meet people has been my favorite part. And I like wearing the yellow shirt. I like it so much that I bought three different styles.”
Rogers and Gold Coat member Janet Spence also said that the fellowship among members is another reason they enjoy being part of the group.
While matching gold shirts, meeting new people and fellowship are perks to being a Gold Coat, serving the community is the main focus for the organization.
“My dad brought me up to give back to the community,” member Charles Ragland said. “We need Gold Coat members and volunteers to help out at community events, and we’re not going to turn anybody away who wants to help.”
While the organization has members who attend and volunteer at existing events, there is always room for additional volunteers and new members.
“Anyone who is interested in being a Gold Coat can contact the chamber or any Gold Coat,” Charles Ragland said.
From there, the person’s interest in becoming a member will be submitted to the Gold Coats for approval.
Many of the events bring out-of-town visitors to Snyder, but the events are also intended for the Snyder community. Community participation is a key factor in their success.
“Come and join us and see what we do,” Charles Ragland said. “See how we support and give back to the community. There’s power in attendance.”
Gold Coats meet twice a month, once in the evening and once at noon. The noon meeting is a luncheon at a restaurant that is a member of the chamber of commerce.
Charles Ragland said the group meets at the restaurant as a way to say thank you to the owner for being a member of the chamber.
To apply to be a Gold Coat or to volunteer at events, call the chamber at 573-3558.