Georgiesmom
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« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2010, 01:12:46 PM » |
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June 23, 2010
POST FROLIC THOUGHTS.....
Good afternoon all!
I just wanted to take a moment of your time to talk a bit about our recent Spring Ferret Frolic Fundraiser.
This year’s frolic was again held at the Jack Purcell Community Centre in downtown Ottawa. Any of you who volunteered or attended realize that its main shortcoming, aside from potentially limited and confusing parking, is that it is upstairs. Having the elevator broken this year was definitely a setback, particularly for those members who are limited with how far they can walk, if at all. I must admit though, that having an earlier start and a wonderful group of helpers made moving supplies back and forth from the trailer and room pretty simple, despite having to use the stairs. Hopefully, if the FRSO looks into alternative locations for the fall/winter frolic, we’ll be able to make improvements in things like accessibility.
Like everyone, I was a tad worried that participation would be at an all time low. There were many excuses, for example, I knew we could attribute it to our tough start to the 2010 year. Along with major financial, and time constraints, we had difficulty in maintaining a full compliment of our organization’s board members. The threat of cancellation had inhibited extras like media releases and contacts we’ve done in the past to get the word out and spark the general public’s interest in what we’re doing along with our ferret community. However, we felt it was important that the ‘show went on’ as we were aware of how dedicated our small ferret following is and how much you all look forward to these events. Any excuse to mingle, buy too many ferret hammocks and other products, (Montreal Critters promises to bring more ferretone next frolic) and compete in high intensity games, like ‘the maze’ with our fastest ferrets...or not so fast as in foster Rosie’s case....he’s something akin to a ferret sloth, I’m afraid. So sweet though... Amazingly, and I don’t have official numbers in front of me, people showed up, some regulars and some just curious. The volunteers started grabbing fosters and joining in the games, ramping up the competition. Questions were asked, products were purchased, education and information was shared, ferrets were played with and the silent auction may have had some blood shed and hair pulled in the fight to get Allie’s foster ferret painting. (Allie..I just gotta say, WOW) All in all, the frolic was a success, albeit a small one. That is a step in the right direction folks!
Before I offer and ask for ideas for this fall, I need to say some special ‘thank you’s’ to key players in not just the success of this frolic but in our ongoing perserverance.
Jen....I know your hair is going to fall out and you might end up institutionalized over this, but a great big hug and thank you for doing way too much for way too many people. You are the energizer bunny. Kim, and I know I speak for everyone, you make us laugh and love what we’re doing for these silly critters. We are especially entertained by how you smack your fellow board members back into reality and on the right path....some you actually smack but again, I think that was at the silent auction. James, always the entertainer, you love these fuzzbutts and you stick by Jen. She’d never admit it but she needs you, especially at these events. Lynn, after a million years of doing this, you are still one of our best resources. Judy, we know things have been extra rough but you and your family gave a hand. We tried to stuff a ferret into that hand, without success, but thank you just the same. Marie, you always work hard and Maureen designs the coolest games! I think the main draw for ferret owners is to come to the frolics to pit their ferrets against each other in these games. Darlene, it was wonderful that you were able to come out and help! Angie, you are one of the sweetest people and always a lovely addition to our events. Jess and Allie have gone crazy with helping and thank God they have! Gosia and Luke, thank you for your generousity and your time! Thanks to all 4 of you for caving into peer pressure and adopting ferrets recently! Megan and Catherine, thank you for creating the tough competition at the games and for sharing Quinn duties. My sister and her friend lent a hand just because I asked. Lisa, the buttons were adorable! A special thanks to sponsors, like Bark and Fitz, who donated auction items and prizes. Montreal Critters are wonderful and dedicated. A very welcome addition to the events and apparently tough competitors in ferret bowling. Dr. Auger for making an appearance and having magic hands. Our photographer for the day, Louise, thank you. Lastly, and most importantly, a thousand thank you’s to our members and ferret community for coming out, time and again, to all our events and for rallying to our aid with a simple ‘please’. For you and for the ferrets, we will not quit. The frolic was small but our community is mighty and I know that fun was had by all!
Finally, after my long winded ramblings, we can look forward to and be better prepared for the fall/winter frolic. As I mentioned, we will consider a different location, though the community centre treats us well. We will look at getting in touch with the media, along with a timely media release, 2 months before the event to drum up attention. Rest assured, we’ll be sure to have tube racing as one of the games. We’ll have to bribe Allie to do another painting. We’ll have bouncers at the silent auction, especially in case Kim and Jen get into a bidding war. If anyone wants to help with planning the next event, getting sponsors and donations, designing ribbons (Aren’t the buttons adorable?), volunteering, and so on, please let us know!
Lastly, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Warmest Regards,
MaryBeth
President, FRSO
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