post event wrap up

For the past three years one of the local service clubs have been hosting a wing ding for our school. They take care of all the cooking and we supply the workforce. In addition we're welcome to do any other fundraising activities that evening. Last night was our big event and it was another huge success.

So if you've been wondering where I've been hiding the past little while, I've been under the mountain of silent auction items I've been storing in my office. We ended up with about 50 items donated by parents, local businesses and major "local" tourist attractions. I donated 4 cookie bouquets that raked in $82! Can you believe it? I had a few people ask if they could order from me..... ummm sure! My ego enjoyed last night, very much!

I think after three years we've got this whole evening down to a well orchestrated science. We have a penny sale for the kids and the end of the evening is always mad chaos as kids and adults attempt to pick up and pay for their winnings. Last night we took a few minutes to organize everything before we announced winners and the pick ups and payments were quick and orderly. Our event was over at 8 and we were climbing into ML's Flex to head for my place at 9:09pm.

Here's the thing that makes me nervous, this event is organized by ML, Mrs. C and myself. We have other helping hands in there, but the three of us are what gets the event going. All that planning that takes place for months before hand, all the organizing that takes place the week before, the structure of the evening, which of our helpers we need where and when. I love these two ladies and have a great time planning and pulling off this event with them. Here's the problem though, they will both be leaving the school in the next couple of years or so when their kids move on. And then it will just be me because I will have 8 more years at the school once Maya starts in September. I'm going to have to start grooming some folks, I think.

Anybody who knows me well, knows I love this sort of thing. Sure it's a tremendous amount of work, but I love every second of it. I've said before that if I was able I would give lots of money towards helping the community, but I don't have that kind of bankroll. So I do this instead. The days before are like the days leading up to Christmas for a kid, so much anticipation I can barely stand it. Abby's school is small so we get a smaller piece of the cash pie from the board. Our fundraising events like the Wing Ding bring literacy materials, computer upgrades, play day, MI Day, School skating trips, technology for the classroom, trip subsidies, gym and recess equipment, and so much more to the school for the benefit of our students, staff and parents. I love that I get to be a part of that. I love that my kids get to see me be a part of that.

And now for the thank yous. Thanks to ML & Mrs. C, my partners in crime. Thanks to all the parents who lended their helping hands last night. Thanks to Granny, TLP, Papa and Grandma Sandi for supporting the cause, also for keeping an eye on my kids and taking them home and getting them into bed when they'd had enough. That last part was Grandma Sandi.... getting the kids home and into bed didn't require the full team. To my Robin, who comes to these sorts of things for me even though I can't spend more than 30 seconds with her and she lets me put her to work too. She is the best ever, you really must get yourself a Robin, for real life. Thanks!