PICNIC PUBLICITY

Hey yall--I've been thinking (mark that event!) We need publicity for our PICNIC!!!! Do you think someone could go on local community news programs and tell about the upcoming event? Maybe a representative from each of the support groups here in MS could go on local tv and radio stations!!!! Could we get the info to each of the WLS surgeons offfices also? I will do the local radio stations and our Comcast tv announcement station. Also did everyone sign the WLS petition?? Please do --others lives are depending on this. love yall--glenda

Yes to all the above. See how agreeable I am? Smooch ARlies

YOU ARE SUCH A SLIMMING DOLL--DARLING--CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE NEW YOU!!!! GLENDA

Oh Glenda Girl, do you know how many people could possibly show up? I dont know about this... We could end up having 700 people. We wouldnt be able to get all those people to RSVP and we wouldnt know how many plates, forks, goodie bags, prizes etc to get. Plus the expense could be outrageous if we just tried to guess and over bought or underbought stuff. We might would have to get sponsors to help with drinks and all that good stuff. With a state wide thing we could run into problems with getting the shirts - some would feel left out or may not contribute to the food. I dont want anyone to feel uncomfortable either around alot of stangers. We are a pretty small close knit group and I think it would be easier to get to know one another first then maybe kick it up a notch. I think it should be for us on the board and of course all of our local support group people. I dont just mean Hattiesburgs support group.. of course I mean Meridians, and whoever else.. but we kinda would need some sort of a count--plus I dont know how many people can fit into that pavilion. It only sits 100. I think we should keep this one intimate and maybe if it goes well we could do state wide public thing... What do you think? Lets talk about it...

I tend to agree with you Christine. On this one anyways My world !!! This could be a HUGH event if advertised. And people like me, may not be too comfortable with large crowds. Plus can you imagine if you had to bring your own lawn chairs to sit in ? HELLO...... I'm not going to try and sit in one !!! A very large advertised state gathering should take at least 6 months to plan, have major sponsors, and a large group to plan it. That way all the work is not dumped on a few to handle. My thoughts..... Keep the advertising limited to this board. If people share the info & invites at their support groups, Wonderful. If the don't, well, that is ok also.

Christine.... You know you are probably right!! Sometimes I tend to go overboard. glenda

I think I agree with Christine it was a good idea but without alot of help it would be hard to handle it. We might want to tell the dr's office that way if someone don't know about the board they might want to join or come for the info. part of it. Becky

It is a noble and very thoughtful idea but I have to agree with Christine and Becky here. Without the help of corporate sponsors to share the cost and such this would be too much. This was planned with the idea of getting the people on this board together along with their local support groups so we can meet face to face and get to know one another. I say keep it simple so we can relax and enjoy one anothers company. I do think a big picnic is a great way to share information on this surgery and for people to find out about it and get first hand information, but we need to plan that some time in the future where we can really get organized and get some sponsors to help with the cost and such. And have info to pass out and sample protein drinks and bars and such. Pulling something like that off will take some time and money. Something to think about doing later for sure. I know I want to share what I know with anyone interested so I am game in doing something like that later down the road. Hugs, Melissa Taylor

You are right Melissa, about the info and stuff I didn't think about that. I agree the board and support group would probably be best. Becky