History

The National Association of RSVP Directors, Inc. (NARSVPD) took the initiative in 1986 to establish Eldercraftsman (Eldercrafts-RSVP) in order to provide RSVP program recognition items previously available free through ACTION, the forerunner of the corporation for National and Community Service, our federal sponsor. During its first year, "The Business" was undertaken by a Delegate from Region IV (NC), Marcelle Austin. Jim Sugarman from Region II (NYC) was President at the time. Ellen Wahl, also from Region II, was a new RSVP Director and attended the 9th National Association Annual Meeting held May 6th, 1986 in New York City -- just out of curiosity.

At that meeting, Marcelle Austin displayed the items she developed to replace those provided by ACTION: Certificates with orange logos, orange station stickers, key chains and new items -- tote bags and orange name badges. These are the same items offered today with, of course, a great deal of variety and color choices offered. The Feds also provided orange oval pins. NARSVPD contracted with C. Saunders Emblems to supply RSVP project pins and also donate proceeds from each pin sold back to the national organization. The business was an immediate success and after a year of donating her time and energy to getting it off the ground, Marcelle was ready to hand it over. NARSVPD sent out a request for proposal and at the 11th NARSVPD Annual Meeting held on May 5th, 1998. The Oswego RSVP was awarded the business and profit sharing began. Oswego named the business "Eldercraftsman," and this was run by Ellen Wahl, the Region II delegate at the time.

In 1991, National decided to separate itself entirely from "The Business." Eldercraftsman continued independently and changed its name to Eldercrafts-RSVP wherein a donation is given to National annually.