Just wanted to take a minute to let you all know how we did on the On the Road Again Auction. To say it was a great success would be an understatement!
This year’s gross was $39,724, which was a small increase over last year. BUT, last year we were fortunate enough to have Pat Summitt donate a chance to sit on her bench for the Stanford game which brought in $5,000. This year we didn’t have that but were still able to exceed last year’s total—a great achievement!
In addition, the Committee was able to significantly reduce the Auction expenses which means more to the bottom line. Included in that was the donation of the two IPods that were raffled and brought in $1,115. Many thanks to Millie Rancatore and Nancy Sabbag for their very generous donations!
I sure hope that you were there to see the great On the Road themed decorations and all of the terrific items. One of the most special was a quilt that was made by Jayne’s mom, Pam Appel. It featured the Rock and Roll theme used in the media guide and was spectacular. It kicked off the live auction portion of the program and got the whole place buzzing. Bidding on all items after that was fast, fun and furious. I am glad to report no fisticuffs over any items—only a few glares during some very competitive bidding.
I hope to have some pictures to share soon so I can tell a little more of the story.
From my perspective, being the Emcee is a lot of fun, especially when the team gets involved. Usually we have pre-set auctioneers, but this year we played it by ear. I was standing on the stage and heard someone say “Miss Dana, Miss Dana!” so I turned around to see Melanie Murphy—who was begging to be an auctioneer! She was marvelous as were Ros and Candice who followed. We even got Clare up there for a little while, though she was scared off when Mel called her “Grandma”! Made me wonder what she would have called me.
Every year at this event, I just marvel at these student-athletes. What some might consider a boring time with some old, goofy boosters, they actually embrace and enjoy. It sure makes it a lot nicer for us all to continue to support a program that has such great young women. Seeing Candice sprint off the stage to thank a very high bidder for the seat on the Stanford bench for the Tennessee game next year—after she had skillfully highlighted and sold it—was a great sight!
This event only comes to fruition due to a bunch of very dedicated volunteers. The Fund Raising Committee is tireless in making sure this event runs smoothly. From decorations to item displays to advertisement to getting items to tracking gift certificates to checking everyone out, it is one great team effort! So it’s time for some thanks all around!
Laura Sprague—my right hand bailed me out time and again! “Spragoo” did all of the music, the road signs, most of the auction displays, coordinated volunteers and got the balloons. All that and she designed our logo as well. I owe her big time, which scares me.
Su Schaffer—once again, made the check in/out run seamlessly. She and her great crew do it year in and year out!
Deb Gumbley--not only did she contribute those great photos that brought in over $600, but stepped in and did displays during our darkest hour. Also created all of those cool post card prints that decorated Arrillaga.
Katrina Bennett and Donna Rancatore—foolishly thought it would be fun to help out and were always on hand to do whatever was needed. Their mistake, however, was being so good we are counting on them even more for next year!
Judy Sweeney--Though sicker than a dog, she finished the catalog and got it printed out on the Saturday before the Auction.
Katy Carrel—She is the caretaker of all of the gift certificates that we get and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing worse than selling something and then you can’t find it—but that doesn’t happen under Katy’s watch. Besides, it was her birthday!
Behind the scenes but no less valuable were Ann Alexander, Harriet Benson, Jennie Greer, Lisa Hocevar, Sheryl Humble, Lynne Klaeveman, Denice Merlo, Nancy Sabbag, Bob Stevens, Jo Sturdivan and Lily Wong!
Then there was our great crew of Auction day volunteers who helped us set up, monitor tables, sell raffle tickets, do check in/out and clean up! Thanks to—
Andre, Clara, Robie, Cathy, Sally, Joyce, Karen, Judy, Dee, Pete, Valerie, Joan, Jay, Gay, Sue, Margie, Jeanne, Kelly, Mitch, Millie, Shirley, Merralee, Patty, Arlene, Natalie, Kiriyo, William, Diana and Deanna—y’all are the best!
Special thanks to all of the help provided by Coach Tucker—who often just looks at us and smiles, despite what she might really be thinking. We also appreciate her sign making ability! Eileen Roche is “Da Bomb” even though I know she is always nervous about what we might do next—really, she helps us pull it together every time! And Dee Dee Zawaydeh—getting donations, doing mailings, whatever it takes.
Lastly (and not leastly!), thanks to everyone who attended and bid on items. Even if you weren’t successful in getting the item that you didn’t need, but couldn’t live without, you added to this fun and successful event! If you would like to weigh in on the auction, let us know your thoughts by using the comments link at the bottom of this blogs. Good or bad, we'd like to hear from you!
Next up for Fund Raising will be the Shootathon—keep your eyes peeled for more info soon! In the meantime, Happy Holidays to all and Go Cardinal!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Still recovering and recounting!
Don't think for a minute that I have forgotten about recapping the Auction! Unfortunately, while traveling to Tennessee and Georgia, I contracted a fine case of bronchitis so my recent days have been spent trying to get back on my feet! I want to share pix and thoughts and results asap, but just haven't had the gumption to pull it off yet.
My prelim look at the bids indicate that we had another successful event, but I didn't pick up all of the info so I have some more that is going to be filled in. We want to share that part most of all--so look back here soon!
My prelim look at the bids indicate that we had another successful event, but I didn't pick up all of the info so I have some more that is going to be filled in. We want to share that part most of all--so look back here soon!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Auction, Baby!
Well, and the On the Road Auction for 2006 is history and I sure hope you were there! The whole Auction committee is "Road Kill" today (it was a long couple of days running up to and including the Big Day) so we are still working on recapping the results. Look back here soon for a summary of the day and how we did!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Blue in Tennessee
I am sitting in my hotel room in Knoxville....just feeling a little downcast after tonight's game. None the less, I thought I could at least file a report from here.
Let's just start--I have NEVER seen so much orange in my life! Now, I am a Giants fan so I am used to orange, but just not like this! Orange hats, orange blazers, orange t-shirts and (my personal favorite) orange overalls! Yikes!
Anyway, we did have a nice contingent of Cardinal in the stands and we did our best to out shout all of the Vol fans and some times we did ok--esp with our defense chants. Coming to a game here is overwhelming--there were over 15,000 in the stands! And wouldn't you know that right in the middle of our Stanford contingent, who should sit next to me than a pair of teenage boys who were, of course, Vol fans. ARGH! The only clever thing that I could say to them was that I believe that Parker's dunk was only worth 2 points no matter how much they whooped and hollered. *sigh*
The Cardinal came out firing and Candice hit a three to start off quickly. But soon thereafter, the team appeared to be just flat. TN took the approach of blanketing Brooke which seemed to throw off a lot of the plays in the early going. This is the time Stanford misses an outside threat like Rapp was last year. Gotta say though that Candice's buzzer beater at the end of the half was fabulous--can't remember one like this since a Kate Paye fling many year's ago. Unfortunately, Stanford just never could cut the lead to less than six points and eventually the Lady Vols just wore them down. The game actually seemed closer than the final score would indicate. The Card hung around at a 8-10 point deficit for much of the game.
So that is the bad news, but there was much that was good--
--Jayne, Jayne, Jayne! She was spectacular. The Lady Vols had no answer for her. She has fabulous hands--get it there and she'll catch it. She was a force on defense too and we all loved the stuff job she did on Parker. I spoke to her Mom, Pam, after the game and she promised that Jayne would work on her free throws!
--a breakout game for Melanie Murphy too. When Stanford made it's best runs, she was in there. She has no fear of attacking the basket which got mixed results, but one just had to love the effort. Her parents were also there tonight.
--the game was rough and Stanford gave as good as it got. The fans here seemed irate about the officiating, but I can't say that it was good or bad really. I know that the Lady Vols shot many more free throws than the Cardinal.
A few more thoughts from Orange--I mean Knox--ville--
--Candace Parker is good. She knows it, too.
--I hope we never have intros like the Lady Vols do. Complete with videos, fireworks and the team dancing at half court. I like that stuff, but in the WNBA, not college.
--you have got to love the game atmosphere. That place in noisy! Not Mac Court noisy, more like a lot of peeps in the seats noisy. There is a football game here tomorrow and I think there were more than a few fans warming up for that game tonight.
--Write it down--I predict we win next year at Maples.
OK, that's enough for now and besides, I have to plan my trip to Dollywood tomorrow!
Then off to Georgia--I think the Dawgs better be ready for some very motivated Cards!
Let's just start--I have NEVER seen so much orange in my life! Now, I am a Giants fan so I am used to orange, but just not like this! Orange hats, orange blazers, orange t-shirts and (my personal favorite) orange overalls! Yikes!
Anyway, we did have a nice contingent of Cardinal in the stands and we did our best to out shout all of the Vol fans and some times we did ok--esp with our defense chants. Coming to a game here is overwhelming--there were over 15,000 in the stands! And wouldn't you know that right in the middle of our Stanford contingent, who should sit next to me than a pair of teenage boys who were, of course, Vol fans. ARGH! The only clever thing that I could say to them was that I believe that Parker's dunk was only worth 2 points no matter how much they whooped and hollered. *sigh*
The Cardinal came out firing and Candice hit a three to start off quickly. But soon thereafter, the team appeared to be just flat. TN took the approach of blanketing Brooke which seemed to throw off a lot of the plays in the early going. This is the time Stanford misses an outside threat like Rapp was last year. Gotta say though that Candice's buzzer beater at the end of the half was fabulous--can't remember one like this since a Kate Paye fling many year's ago. Unfortunately, Stanford just never could cut the lead to less than six points and eventually the Lady Vols just wore them down. The game actually seemed closer than the final score would indicate. The Card hung around at a 8-10 point deficit for much of the game.
So that is the bad news, but there was much that was good--
--Jayne, Jayne, Jayne! She was spectacular. The Lady Vols had no answer for her. She has fabulous hands--get it there and she'll catch it. She was a force on defense too and we all loved the stuff job she did on Parker. I spoke to her Mom, Pam, after the game and she promised that Jayne would work on her free throws!
--a breakout game for Melanie Murphy too. When Stanford made it's best runs, she was in there. She has no fear of attacking the basket which got mixed results, but one just had to love the effort. Her parents were also there tonight.
--the game was rough and Stanford gave as good as it got. The fans here seemed irate about the officiating, but I can't say that it was good or bad really. I know that the Lady Vols shot many more free throws than the Cardinal.
A few more thoughts from Orange--I mean Knox--ville--
--Candace Parker is good. She knows it, too.
--I hope we never have intros like the Lady Vols do. Complete with videos, fireworks and the team dancing at half court. I like that stuff, but in the WNBA, not college.
--you have got to love the game atmosphere. That place in noisy! Not Mac Court noisy, more like a lot of peeps in the seats noisy. There is a football game here tomorrow and I think there were more than a few fans warming up for that game tonight.
--Write it down--I predict we win next year at Maples.
OK, that's enough for now and besides, I have to plan my trip to Dollywood tomorrow!
Then off to Georgia--I think the Dawgs better be ready for some very motivated Cards!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Pack Your Bags! Great Auction Travel Items!
Looking over our Travel Items for the Auction this year makes me smile! This is, by far, the best bunch of getaways that we have ever had. So bid high on these and get ready to pack your bags.
You can travel to some away games, catch some rays in Kauai, ski in Tahoe, hit the tables in Vegas, spend some time in The City—whatever suits your fancy!
By far our most glamorous travel item is #170—A Stay in a luxury North Lake Tahoe vacation home! This item is again generously donated by John Paye and offers a once in a lifetime chance to stay at one of North Lake Tahoe's most exclusive estates. Take a look and you'll see what we mean!
Located at Stateline on the California side, this is right on the lake and has its own dock available for your use. Bring your boat or jet skis and enjoy fabulous Lake Tahoe. This Estate was originally built by the Hills Brothers of coffee fame as their vacation home. From the living room, sit by the fire and enjoy the expanse of Lake Tahoe right in front of you. Sit in the family room and enjoy the huge big screen TV while enjoying the sunshine through huge lakefront windows. Enjoy the sunset from the huge deck area. Perfect for a large family getaway/reunion or would make for a spectacular wedding setting as this home will easily sleep 30 people! You won't regret bidding on (and winning!) this terrific opportunity!
Because of the special nature of this item, we are giving you 2 options:
* One week value is $10,000. Opening Bid is $5,000
* Weekend value is $5,000. Opening Bid is $2,500
Highest bid, regardless of length of stay will be the winner of this item! Why not get a group of friends together and bid on this terrific item. I had the pleasure of staying here several years ago and I cannot rave enough about what a spectacular place this is!
This isn’t your only Tahoe choice—take a look at spending a week with one of these items:
* #14 Northstar Condominium Stay
* #114 Weekend Stay at West Shore Lake Tahoe 4 bedroom home that sleeps 10. Take a look at this terrific spot!
Prefer a little tropical action instead? Check out item #99 a 5 night stay at a Poipu Kai Condo in Kauai. Longtime donors Dave and Lanie Wheeler are providing a dream vacation in a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath newly remodeled condo at Poipu Kai Resort in Poipu Beach, Kauai. This condo offers a deluxe ocean view and is just steps from the beach. Guests may play tennis, relax in a Jacuzzi, and swim in the two pools that are on site. Two beautiful golf courses are adjacent to the property. Poipu Beach was recently named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among 10 "best" beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, wading boogie-boarding and surfing. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
OK, OK—you want some gaming along with your vacation? How about a 2 night stay at the hip Palms Resort in Las Vegas #87 or a trip to Clear Lake for a visit to Robinson Rancheria #171. The Palms trip includes tickets for 2 to the Riviera Comedy Club and the Rancheria is throwing in $100 of casino cash!
If you are looking for stays in the Bay Area, we’ve got you covered! A great spot in San Francisco-- #30 Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf. How about #93 a Stay at the San Jose Hilton for Pac-10 tourney time? Coming to Palo Alto for a game and need a spot to stay? Choose from:
* #17 Sheraton Palo Alto
* #18 Crowne Plaza Cabana
* #22 Stanford Terrace Inn
* #165 The Garden Court Hotel
Heck, we even have a One Night Stay Cabin, tent or RV Site at the San Francisco North KOA #109 and 5 days of pet sitting from Four on the Floor #162!
Last but certainly not least, we have hotel stays at the Stanford team hotels in Eugene, Marina del Rey. Seattle, Spokane and Tucson. If you’re headed out on a PAC-10 trip, why not get your stay here and benefit the Program!
Wow, we really do have something for everybody! Hope you can make you plans now and bid extra high on these items.
My next Blog will (hopefully) be from the road—really! I am off to Tennessee and Georgia for the games down there and if the wireless Gods are on my side, I’ll try to file a report or two.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Get Your Stanford Stuff here!
One of my favorite parts of working on the Auction is getting the stuff. It is amazing to me that, year after year, we are able to put together such a diverse and exciting bunch of items. Each year, we try to bring back popular favorites while adding new items that we think will be extra special.
This year we have added something a little different—Basketball 101 with Tara (item #159). This isn’t an item up for competitive bidding—instead, for your one time bid of $25, you will be able to attend a one hour teaching session with Tara as she discusses the nuts and bolts of the game that we love. Who better to learn from than a Hall of Famer? This event will be limited to the first 100 who sign up, so check it out at the auction so that you don’t get shut out!
We have lots of Sit on the Bench opportunities again this year, but one of them stands out—wouldn’t you like to be on the Cardinal Bench for the 2007 match up with Tennessee (item #161)? This is a once in a lifetime chance to share in the thrill of a great Rivalry! Always one of the most intense games of the year, the 2007 edition will be the final regular season college match up between Ice and Ace—Candice Wiggins and Candace Parker, two of the very brightest stars on the Basketball horizon. Can the Cardinal beat the Vols at home for the first time since 1995? Wouldn’t you like to be there, up-close and personal? You'll be a part of the action as you join the team in pre-game introductions, game huddles, halftime and post-game too!
Two real favorites coming back again this year are A Day in the Life (#152) and the Kids Clinic with selected Stanford Coaches and Players (#153). A Day in the Life let’s your favorite youngster “hang” with some of the players as they go through a typical day on campus—how special is that? The Kids Clinic is for a total of 12 Kids who will be put through the paces at Maples Pavilion—if only I was a Kid!
Or maybe you’d like to—
--have Lunch with Charmin (#154)
--breakdown video with Karen (#155)
--workout with Stanford Trainer Kelly Clark (#156)
--sit with Tara at the 2007 banquet (#157)
--have Breakfast with Amy (#160)
--Sponsor a Locker (#148-151)
Another great feature of the auction is that Coach Amy “cleans the closet” and we are able to auction off Stanford apparel that is not readily available. There is something for everybody from T-Shirts to Warm Ups to Player Jerseys.
All of these items are in the Stanford area of the Auction--
check them out here!
Next up—I’ll highlight some of the Travel items up for bid, so get ready to pack your bags!
This year we have added something a little different—Basketball 101 with Tara (item #159). This isn’t an item up for competitive bidding—instead, for your one time bid of $25, you will be able to attend a one hour teaching session with Tara as she discusses the nuts and bolts of the game that we love. Who better to learn from than a Hall of Famer? This event will be limited to the first 100 who sign up, so check it out at the auction so that you don’t get shut out!
We have lots of Sit on the Bench opportunities again this year, but one of them stands out—wouldn’t you like to be on the Cardinal Bench for the 2007 match up with Tennessee (item #161)? This is a once in a lifetime chance to share in the thrill of a great Rivalry! Always one of the most intense games of the year, the 2007 edition will be the final regular season college match up between Ice and Ace—Candice Wiggins and Candace Parker, two of the very brightest stars on the Basketball horizon. Can the Cardinal beat the Vols at home for the first time since 1995? Wouldn’t you like to be there, up-close and personal? You'll be a part of the action as you join the team in pre-game introductions, game huddles, halftime and post-game too!
Two real favorites coming back again this year are A Day in the Life (#152) and the Kids Clinic with selected Stanford Coaches and Players (#153). A Day in the Life let’s your favorite youngster “hang” with some of the players as they go through a typical day on campus—how special is that? The Kids Clinic is for a total of 12 Kids who will be put through the paces at Maples Pavilion—if only I was a Kid!
Or maybe you’d like to—
--have Lunch with Charmin (#154)
--breakdown video with Karen (#155)
--workout with Stanford Trainer Kelly Clark (#156)
--sit with Tara at the 2007 banquet (#157)
--have Breakfast with Amy (#160)
--Sponsor a Locker (#148-151)
Another great feature of the auction is that Coach Amy “cleans the closet” and we are able to auction off Stanford apparel that is not readily available. There is something for everybody from T-Shirts to Warm Ups to Player Jerseys.
All of these items are in the Stanford area of the Auction--
check them out here!
Next up—I’ll highlight some of the Travel items up for bid, so get ready to pack your bags!
Friday, November 03, 2006
On the Road Again!
Today is just one month (exactly!) until our On The Road Again Auction. From the Fundraising standpoint, our yearly auction is the biggest event that we stage. Since 2001, the auction has raised over $150,000 in support of the Women’s Basketball Improvement Fund. This Fund helps with purchases of video and exercise equipment not in Stanford’s budget as well as International travel—the kind of things needed to sustain a first class program..
How does it all come together? We have a tireless group of volunteers that solicit donations through mailings and personal contacts. Coach Amy is in charge of scouring the locker room and coaches offices for items of interest such as uniforms and warm-ups. Eileen Roche coordinates picking up and receiving items on a daily basis. After items are secured, we have the major task of making sure that the actual event runs quickly, smoothly and efficiently all while having fun at the same time. We publicize, decorate, make music....a great team effort all around.
So what’s on tap for this year? Take a peek at the items that are going to be up for bid.
Check back often as we are adding items almost daily. What’s new today that isn’t on the web site yet? How about a Ronnie Lott autographed 49er jersey and two of those sharp, black warm up suits that debuted last night? Or maybe a 2006-07 team autographed basketball suits your fancy?
Of course, the items already there are pretty spectacular. Need a vacation? Check out our stays in Kauai, Las Vegas and Northstar. Planning to travel to away games? There are stays at most of the PAC 10 destinations, at the team hotels, no less. Need a player jersey? We have them all up for your bid and there is tons of other unique Stanford gear to be had. Restaurant certificates, great golf outings, Giants tickets (including Opening Day!)—the list goes on. There is truly something for everyone!
We hope that you can be with us in Arrillaga for the actual event, but if you can’t, please see the online bidding instructions.
Along with the Auction, we will again be running our IPod raffle and we will have two IPods just like we did last year. So keep your eyes open at future games to buy your tickets—the drawing will take place at the Auction.
And guess what? We can still use many more donations. Have a timeshare or vacation home? Extra sports memorabilia? Have a contact with your favorite restaurant? Contact Eileen at eroche@stanford.edu if you can help out.
I once heard that Auctions are the place that you buy the things you don’t need, but must have. We hope that you can find both things you need and things that you must have and bid extra high, all in support of Our Team!
How does it all come together? We have a tireless group of volunteers that solicit donations through mailings and personal contacts. Coach Amy is in charge of scouring the locker room and coaches offices for items of interest such as uniforms and warm-ups. Eileen Roche coordinates picking up and receiving items on a daily basis. After items are secured, we have the major task of making sure that the actual event runs quickly, smoothly and efficiently all while having fun at the same time. We publicize, decorate, make music....a great team effort all around.
So what’s on tap for this year? Take a peek at the items that are going to be up for bid.
Check back often as we are adding items almost daily. What’s new today that isn’t on the web site yet? How about a Ronnie Lott autographed 49er jersey and two of those sharp, black warm up suits that debuted last night? Or maybe a 2006-07 team autographed basketball suits your fancy?
Of course, the items already there are pretty spectacular. Need a vacation? Check out our stays in Kauai, Las Vegas and Northstar. Planning to travel to away games? There are stays at most of the PAC 10 destinations, at the team hotels, no less. Need a player jersey? We have them all up for your bid and there is tons of other unique Stanford gear to be had. Restaurant certificates, great golf outings, Giants tickets (including Opening Day!)—the list goes on. There is truly something for everyone!
We hope that you can be with us in Arrillaga for the actual event, but if you can’t, please see the online bidding instructions.
Along with the Auction, we will again be running our IPod raffle and we will have two IPods just like we did last year. So keep your eyes open at future games to buy your tickets—the drawing will take place at the Auction.
And guess what? We can still use many more donations. Have a timeshare or vacation home? Extra sports memorabilia? Have a contact with your favorite restaurant? Contact Eileen at eroche@stanford.edu if you can help out.
I once heard that Auctions are the place that you buy the things you don’t need, but must have. We hope that you can find both things you need and things that you must have and bid extra high, all in support of Our Team!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Why Volunteer for the FBC?
I sometimes get asked why I originally volunteered for the Fast Break Club. Usually I come up with all the cornball answers like I wanted to meet other fans or that I was a pre-Title IXer who wanted to support young women in their pursuit of playing team sports.
This was all true at the time, of course, but as time goes on, reasons change. As I was thinking recently about our planning for this year’s Auction, I realized it was all about the toilets.
*pause* HUH? OK, let me explain!
Each year, our Auction committee works diligently to come up with a theme and decorations that will make the event more that just a chance to spend money in support of the cause. Several years ago, as Maples was under going a large renovation, we decided on Home Improvement. We wanted to decorate each area in a theme—Tool Shed, Lumber, Paint, Gardening—and I was assigned to Plumbing.
I had so many thoughts of what I should do—maybe some PVC pipe, faucets, sinks? And then one day, out of the blue, I thought “Man, I sure wish I had some toilets!”
So the next day I was driving to work and what should I see but two brand new toilets—right there on Central Expressway. I guessed they had been dropped of the back of a truck as their smashed boxes were right underneath them. I got to thinking that I had the chance at one wish in my lifetime and I just blew it on toilets.
But nearly a week passed and those darned things were still there—nobody had come back to pick them up. I figured it must be some sort of Karma so I persuaded a pal to come along to help me pick them up (we did wait until after dark, just in case).
Auction day dawned and there were my gleaming thrones at the entrance to the Plumbing area—they were especially stunning with the new plungers I bought to put on top. I even put flowers in the bowls. My area was the best (at least, I thought so).
Yes, this is a true story and yes, it does have a point!
Now when I think of volunteering, I think of all of the crazy ideas we come up with while planning events like the Auction, how hysterical we get during our meetings and how much fun it is to work/play with so many great people. I think how lucky I have been to experience all that is Stanford Women’s Basketball. And yes, I think about the toilets!
So if you are looking for some levity and fulfillment all in the name of a great program, why not join us? Along with Fundraising, we are always looking for help on the Communications, Marketing, Membership and Travel Committees. You can join a Committee or help out at games or events—whatever suits your schedule. Contact Eileen at eroche@stanford.edu and let her know you’d like to participate!
We are specifically looking for volunteers for the day of the auction for duties such as table monitoring and check-in/out. And heck, maybe if you’d like to help us decorate, you can find what you need, but be careful what you wish for!
This was all true at the time, of course, but as time goes on, reasons change. As I was thinking recently about our planning for this year’s Auction, I realized it was all about the toilets.
*pause* HUH? OK, let me explain!
Each year, our Auction committee works diligently to come up with a theme and decorations that will make the event more that just a chance to spend money in support of the cause. Several years ago, as Maples was under going a large renovation, we decided on Home Improvement. We wanted to decorate each area in a theme—Tool Shed, Lumber, Paint, Gardening—and I was assigned to Plumbing.
I had so many thoughts of what I should do—maybe some PVC pipe, faucets, sinks? And then one day, out of the blue, I thought “Man, I sure wish I had some toilets!”
So the next day I was driving to work and what should I see but two brand new toilets—right there on Central Expressway. I guessed they had been dropped of the back of a truck as their smashed boxes were right underneath them. I got to thinking that I had the chance at one wish in my lifetime and I just blew it on toilets.
But nearly a week passed and those darned things were still there—nobody had come back to pick them up. I figured it must be some sort of Karma so I persuaded a pal to come along to help me pick them up (we did wait until after dark, just in case).
Auction day dawned and there were my gleaming thrones at the entrance to the Plumbing area—they were especially stunning with the new plungers I bought to put on top. I even put flowers in the bowls. My area was the best (at least, I thought so).
Yes, this is a true story and yes, it does have a point!
Now when I think of volunteering, I think of all of the crazy ideas we come up with while planning events like the Auction, how hysterical we get during our meetings and how much fun it is to work/play with so many great people. I think how lucky I have been to experience all that is Stanford Women’s Basketball. And yes, I think about the toilets!
So if you are looking for some levity and fulfillment all in the name of a great program, why not join us? Along with Fundraising, we are always looking for help on the Communications, Marketing, Membership and Travel Committees. You can join a Committee or help out at games or events—whatever suits your schedule. Contact Eileen at eroche@stanford.edu and let her know you’d like to participate!
We are specifically looking for volunteers for the day of the auction for duties such as table monitoring and check-in/out. And heck, maybe if you’d like to help us decorate, you can find what you need, but be careful what you wish for!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Let's Get Ready to Rumble!
This season sure shapes up to be one of the most exciting in Cardinal history and getting to that First Practice on Sunday will sure be great. Who wouldn't be excited to see the new class in action for the first time after all that we have heard about them? Hope to see everyone there!
Make sure to stop by the FBC table on the loge level in the NW corner inside Maples (as opposed to on the concourse). We will have our BRAND NEW CALENDAR available for sale--and it is one terrific item! We'll also have License Plate frames and bracelets on sale. You can also renew your FBC membership, join if you were not a member last year, order FBC shirts, munch on some sweets, and of course, watch the practice. After the practice there will a Q & A with the coaches and I think some players too. With the busy homecoming weekend, we are staying in Maples for everything.
Also want to start prepping you for our annual Auction to be held December 3 in conjunction with the game with the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. Our theme this year is "On the Road Again"--harkening to our run towards the NCAA tournament! We love our road sign logo, which was created by Laura Sprague. We will start posting auction items on the FBC website soon so that you can start planning your purchases!
We are always looking for donations--fine wines, vacation homes, new merchandise, sports or Stanford memorabilia, gift certificates--there are so many things you can donate! This year's auction is the first step towards funding an upcoming International trip and we can always use your help! There will be donation forms available at the auction, online (soon) or contact Eileen Roche at eroche@stanford.edu if you have something to donate.
Check back here for more info as we get the auction underway!
So here's to the start of another Fantastically Fun Fabulous Foray on the Farm--Finally!
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