Fall Gala - November 1st, 2008!

The Gala is set for Saturday, November 1st at Medina!  This is before deer hunting, so hopefully a better w/e for some.  We have the same DJ as last year and a block of rooms reserved at the hotel across the parking lot (about a half block walk).     A fund-raising garage sale is coming this summer to help with the deposits and other expense, so if you have anything to donate please mark it and write to AnnMarie at:  [email protected]. By the way, does anyone know of any other sites I should post Gala details?  I typically post them  on OH, OSSGMN and the Mpls DS boards. Thanks for any help! MORE details to follow!!!   Marla

Marla, I've heard of this Gala, can you tell me more about it? Kelly

Hi Kelly, Thanks for asking!  In a nutshell, the Gala is a FUN event for WLS patients to CELEBRATE our new lives!  It is also for people just looking into surgery, everyone's support people, surgeons and their wonderful staff.  It is a chance to dress up, have some social time, enjoy a great meal - appropriate for people at all stages and those who have not had surgery too, we have a short program to thank the surgeons, support people, angels, and to show pix to celebrate the big & little things we can do now that we could not before surgery.  It is a great way to meet new people too!   This year we are also going to try to organize a silent auction to have at the event as a fund-raiser.   I sure hope you can come to the event!  There are a lot of details to be fine-tuned for this event, so look for more details to be posted in the near future!   Marla

SWEET! Let me know if you need any help again, MJ. Sharon

Great to hear from you! I am sure we would LOVE to have your help again!  I forgot to mention that this year we will have Table Hosts again.  I am not sure how it will work this year, but typically Table Hosts welcome guests to their table and do a little decorating of the table.   We hope to have a silent auction at the Gala, and we will definitely need help with that, and someone at the table again, so lots of opportunies for volunteers! Hope you are doing well Sharon - catch you again soon! MJ / Marla

Too much fun! Count me in on whatever you need and I'm sure we'll connect as the time gets closer. I've been a bit of a slacker in keeping up with the OH boards these past few weeks. I'm such a goal-oriented person that without a goal in mind I simply veer off into never, never land. MY NEW GOAL!!! Zoom in on "the plan" and lose the last 45 lbs by the Fall Gala. WOO HOO!! Anyone in with me on a similar goal? Sharon

Hi Marla,

I have never met you, but this sounds sooo great. If you need another volunteer, let me know... ask Kelly, I think I would make a great table host.. I tend to be very outgoing. This is so great, I missed the ball because of moving in April at Gunderson Lutheran in La Crosse, I was really bumbed because I already had a dress and everything!!!!! This would be my chance... How formal of an affair is this? what is the cost generally? I will go thru clothes and things to donate for the garage sale.. I'll even help with the garage sale!!! ( I also may be one of the best customers.) Let me know.....I am so there.

Thanks

Hi Diane, Wonderful!!!  Thanks for volunteering - we need it and appreciate it!   The Gala has typically been a chance for people to get very dressed up and formal, like the prom many of us never were able to go to.  However, we don't want to leave anyone out who is not able to dress up or who does not want to do so, so everyone is welcome to come as dressy as they want. This year, our Gala falls the day after Halloween, so we are also going to invite people to get as dressed up as they want and/or wear a Halloween costume.  Not horror type, but I think more towards fun or fancy.  More details to follow (and better wording than I have come up I think :-) The cost last year was $50.  I believe it will be the same this year, except, we are trying to work out a deal for people who sign up and pay early.  Will post more when I have the early bird dates. I am sure you will be a wonderful Table Host.  I helped my cousin AnnMarie host a table two years, even though I am basically a shy person.  What I liked about it, is that it was a fun way to get involved and meet people.  Otherwise, I sit back and stay quiet....  Thanks for writing - and I look forward to meeting you soon! Marla

Marla,

Good Morning, I will plan on it. I am also going to add you to my friends so if you need me for anything to help let me know.. I also have accounting skills. ANYTHING I can do to help I will be there.

I never went to prom....so this will be my first time in any type of formal....including my wedding. So it is great!!! Keep me posted. I am so there.

You & AnnMarie are cousins? WOW! Cool, AnnMarie is an awesome person - I look forward to meeting you Marla. I've got the date on my calendar! Only other suggestion for getting the word out is contacting the main bariatric programs and letting them know. Some of them have emails blasts they do and maybe they could post to that. Also, Unity Hospital has it's own bariatric messageboard as well. Keep us posted!