Smells Like Stanford Spirit!

Sometimes I don't think we know how lucky we are to have the PAC 10 tournament in our own backyard. I know we all get tired with all of the games, but isn't it great to have the chance to see so much top flight basketball so close to home? And besides, we really can make the Arena a home court for our Team!

Not that I didn't have fun in Eugene when it was there--well, except for the end result. But you might remember the group above! We creatively crafted our outfits which included hand made Nicole Powell two color mouthguards which inadvertantly baked a little too long in the oven and became, well, I'm not sure what! The highlight of our time was when we threw a plastic inflatible basketball to the OSU Beaver who had just lost a basketball to one of the ushers--who wouldn't return it. The Beaver was subsequently kicked off the floor! Oh, and getting our picture taken with Nicole and her real mouthpiece--that was fun, too!

Then the event came to SJ and we had to top that so we went with the Helmet look--nothing like a bunch of old gals, a couple of glue guns and some craft materials for a night of fun! Oh, there might have been a few alcoholic beverages involved too.......

Unfortunately they were so heavy that we spent weeks recovering and getting physical therapy, but the helmets live on and have made subsequent appearances at our Auctions!

This year, we have no plans as of yet.....but you never know! We seem to always come up with something, even at the last minute.

Last year there were a couple of good signs going on including this effort which worked great as long as everyone stayed in the right formation.

So here’s the deal—WE MUST MAKE THIS OUR HOME COURT! It is up to all of us to be a little loud and crazy so that we help take advantage of this event being in the Bay Area. We may not always have it here! So wear your Cardinal, bring your signs, wave those pom poms, and SCREAM REAL LOUD! Remember--it's always fun to cut down the nets!

Hope to see all of your FBCers at our Reception—make sure that you have contacted Eileen for tickets!

Shootathon on the Way!

The last of our major fund raisers for the season is on tap for Saturday, March 10, 2007--the annual Shootathon! FBCers and Season Tix holders will be getting the information and pledge form in the mail this week--we apologize for being just a bit late, but we got goofed up by Tara being stuck in the bad weather this week!

For any of you that are unfamiliar with the format, this is a chance for you to pledge towards player shots taken that day. Each player will take 200 shots with a maximum total of 300 points available. Players receive 2 points for a made outside shot (200 points possible) and 1 point for a layup (100 points possible). As an example, if you pledge $1.00 per point and the player scores 245 points, your donation will be $1 x 245 = $245.00. Pretty simple! We encourage you to pledge to as many players as you like or make a flat donation to the program, if that works better for you! And you don't need to be at the Shootathon to pledge--we'll make it easy for you--you can mail in the form, we will send you a recap and let you know how much you owe, you mail it back--HOW EASY IS THAT??

Much of the FBC's recent fund raising success has contributed to the enhancement of the Locker Room. While the Maples renovation made for a terrific new area, there are a lot of the "little things" that are needed to make the environment first class. The staff is looking for as many ways as possible to make the Locker Room a place where players are comfortable--after all, they spend a lot of time there! So as a part of Shootathon Day (and an ever so slight encouragement to pledge just a little more money!), Locker Room tours will be offered! What a terrific chance for you to see behind the scenes of our Cardinal!

We also are planning to have a 3 point shooting contest which you can participate in--well, sort of! We will give you a chance to purchase raffle tickets and designate them towards who you think will win the 3 point shooting contest. From the tickets placed on the 3 point contest winner, 1 ticket will be drawn and the raffle winner will get their picture taken with the whole team! What a great thing--a chance at a once in a lifetime opportunity!

In past years, we have tapped into the Selection Day broadcast on ESPN, but since this has been moved to a Monday evening, we just can't fit it in. Also, we are tailing onto the back end of a team practice, so we are going to try to keep it to a short day--we ALL need our rest going into the tournament, you know! So I encourage you to join us for a little fun in Maples, Saturday, March 10 from noon until 1 pm. And if you can't be there, still make sure to pledge your support!

The pledge form is available on the website, too!

http://www.stanfordfbc.org/FBCFiles/ShootathonForm.htm

Bring Back the Banners Update--

We are making some good headway in our campaign to get the banners back up in Maples! We have collected over 500 signatures--including Jennifer Azzi, Kate Starbird and all of the other Alums that were at the Cal game (Imagine how they feel when they see those banners missing?). We were featured in Michelle Smith's Chronicle column last Thursday and our petition is going to the Women's Volleyball banquet for some more face time.

But I gotta be honest--while the response if pretty positive that something will be done, it isn't looking very favorable for it to happen in time for the NCAA sub regionals in March. But that doesn't mean we won't keep trying-so sign the petition! Send an email to Bob Bowlsby!

Bring back the Banners, Bring back the Pride!

Hey, Where are the Banners?

Have you noticed that the many banners that were in Old Maples are not in New Maples? This isn't the best picture, but you might remember it looking something like this before. I don't have any pictures of all of the banners that were everywhere in the rafters--celebrating women's basketball, and volleyball as well as men's basketball--but there were a bunch! It's not like there aren't things to celebrate! Heck, most schools put something up just for making the NCAA tournament--Stanford has National Championships, Final Fours, Pac-10 titles, NIT titles and on and on! This is a Legacy to be proud of!

So we think we'd like to see them return and you can help to:

BRING BACK the BANNERS! BRING BACK the PRIDE!

Goal: to have the banners up for the NCAA Sub Regional in March

Communicate to: bowlsby@stanford.edu

or via mail:
Bob Bowlsby, Athletic Director
Department of Athletics, Stanford University
Arrillaga Family Sports Center
Stanford, CA 94305
(ask Bob to forward your thoughts to John Arrillaga as well)

Why?

It is important to:

1) Acknowledge and celebrate past achievements

2) Create a visible recruiting tool

3) Let opponents know the Legacy they are up against

Please make your POSITIVE thoughts and feelings known

and make sure you communicate that we want all Maples sports to be recognized.

We also hope to create a petition so look for those at upcoming games.

Please just take a few minutes to send your thought along and let's see how we can affect this positive change! We don't want the great Tradition of Stanford Women's Basketball to be lost!

Auction a Great Success!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!