For those of you who are not familiar with the Vikings of Solvang (to be distinguished from the Minnesota Vikings who were shut out of the NFL playoffs), it is “a social and philanthropic organization which provides help for the medically related needs of qualified individuals and health care organizations for the purpose of providing others within Santa Barbara County a better way of life.” Of the 190-plus members, several are charter Vikings dating back to the inception of Viking Charities, Inc, in 1975. The Vikings’ organization is an IRS 501(c)(3), 509(a)(2) tax-exempt public charity with its main office in Solvang. Membership spans Santa Barbara County, with the bulk of its members in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Becoming a member of the Vikings can be an interesting and pleasant experience for “Fledglings” or prospective members. In order to achieve full membership in the Vikings, a prospective member must be invited to attend Viking meetings or activities, and then sponsored by an existing member.
The Fledgling is expected to participate in Viking events and endeavors, perform certain tasks, and meet rigorous membership standards.
All Fledglings are expected to do the following at a minimum in order to be a candidate for initiation as a full Viking: He must make his annual contribution to Viking Charities, Inc.; attend monthly dinner meetings and other Viking gatherings; assist as requested with Gatekeeper responsibilities; ride on the Viking Ship during public ‘sailing’ events; attend and assist the Vikings with the Annual Christmas Party for Special Needs Children, and any other charitable activity undertaken by Viking Charities; alert the Charity Committee of any person in our community who may need assistance based on medical needs and financial limitations; consider support for the Viking Endowment Fund through a contribution, pledge, bequest or other vehicle, including memorial contributions to honor fallen Vikings; and learn the words to “Han Skal Leve” (the official toasting song of the Vikings).
The “Fledgling tasks” are guided by the Fledgling’s sponsor, and the Membership Committee. The Fledgling is armed with a manual that provides a step-by-step introduction to the structure of the Vikings’ group, and acquaints each prospective member with the function of its various committees and officers. It is the intent of the Gold Cuppers, the Viking Board of Directors, to insure that every new member has a grasp of the culture and capabilities of the organization, and is inspired to make worthy contributions during their years as members.
Anyone desiring information on the Viking organization may write Vikings of Solvang, P.O. Box 293, Solvang, CA 93464, or go online to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com.