On Monday, Dec. 17 Friends of Harmon Field (FoHF) board members voted to disband following the loss of the group’s 501 (c)(3) certification.

FoHF President Lorna Dever called the special meeting to discuss the organization’s future.

“We voted to disband since we had struggled for the last two years attempting to get members and officers for the organization,” Dever said.

Friends of Harmon Field formed in June 2007 with about 50 members initially aiming to support Harmon Field through fundraising. The group obtained its official 501(c )(3) status in May 2009.

Over the last two years however the group has dwindled to just four consistently active members. Dever has served the last five years as president but could not get others to step up and serve as officers, she said. Dever said a lack of manpower caused paperwork to lapse with the IRS, which also affected the group’s not-for-profit status.

Despite this lack of support, Dever and the Friends of Harmon Field did host the annual Tour de Leaves in October, raising $1,000. Dever said that money would be used to fund landscaping at Harmon Field.

Another $2,500 collected this year from the Harmon Foundation will be allocated to the Town of Tryon for Harmon Field Heritage Days, which are set to take place March 21-24, 2013.

“I would like to thank all that have helped with Friends of Harmon Field and the various events we have hosted. If there is someone that would like to re-create an organization such as Friends of Harmon Field, I would encourage them to step forward, contact the Harmon Field Board of Supervisors, and move forward with their talents and ideas,” Dever said.

Board members will continue with the legalities of disbanding after the holidays. Dever said if someone wishes to keep the effort going they would need to contact her immediately before final paperwork is completed. Dever can be reached at 828-817-1544.