Raleigh Get Together this Saturday Was HUGE ...

But it is clear that we are experiencing some growing pains. It was great to see everyone and we had a fabulous turnout this time ? 46 people! AndreaU suggested that we do some protien sampling and several of us brought some things to share. It was well received.

The turnout has been so phenominal that it looks like we are outgrowing Perkins and may have to look about a new venue. I reserved the private rooms that they have at Perkins but there was a miscommunication at the restaurant and they 'gave away' our private room. We need to find a place that will 'reliably' allow us privacy so that we can openly discuss issues, share experiences and have speakers and presentations. Unfortunately, at this meeting we were unable openly discuss issues and share experiences because we were in middle of the restaurant and it was so noisy that it was sometimes hard to hear. I will look to see if we can find a location that will allow us to meet once a month.

At this point, I have been covering the $144.00 a year expense for the cost of the meetup site and I pay for the name tags and other minor expenses, but I can't afford to carry the cost of a meeting facility too. While I'm still trying to find a suitable venue that would not cost, it's proving challenging because we need something that will be available on the same day once a month, handle a group of at least 50 people, have easy access to freeways, parking, restrooms ... food is okay, but not necessary. For most participants so far when I have done surveys it appears that a Sat AM meeting by far outweighs other options. It may be that we will have to pay for a facility and if so, I may have to 'charge' some sort of 'meeting fee' to cover expenses. I need to know how people feel about having to pay for a venue. Are you willing to contribute? If so, what do you think is a fair/reasonable amount to spend/contribute? Will having to contribute cause you to not partipate? If anyone has a suggestion for a meeting site that can accomodate up to 50 people, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for thoughts and support.

Warmly,

Barb

golden coral on either newbern ave or glenwood...room is free i believe

Thanks Annie!

I'll be checking with them tomorrow when I go by to see if it looks like it would be okay. I'm thinking of the one in Raleigh on Glenwood since it is pretty easily accessible from 40, 540, 440 and of course 70.

Their website says that they have a private room. I need to see if it will accomodate a group the size of ours and honestly, I don't normally have a 'good' headcount until about a week ahead of the event ... sometimes that can be problematic.

I appreciate your input and look forward to meeting you an an upcoming event.

Thanks again,

Barb

 

No clue on meeting location.  I know our Swedish group meeds at a swim club off Orleans Place.. and it's free if someone happens to have a membership.  Perhaps someone has a membership to a location with a meeting room that we can book? As for the cost, I told you some time ago I didn't think it was fair for you to take up the expenses.. not only the meet-up fee and supplies, but also deadbeats on their checks.  So yeah, I will contribute.  Give me a price and I'll chip in.

Andrea,

I just want you to know that I truly appreciate your support ... in so many ways. I also want you to know that we had 100% of the people that were there yesterday take care of their own checks. It was delightful to not have to subsidize in that manner.

I'm not yet sure the best way to hand contributions ... I need to get a better feel for what we can do for a meeting place ... still working on that.

Thanks again,

Barb

I would suggest contacting your local surgeon's in the area if they don't have support groups of their own and see if they can get you a room at the hospital. 3 yrs ago that is what the band folks were doing here in Charlotte. We out grew the restaurants and had to find something else. We now meet at a local hospital and are going to go for another room becuase it's also now getting smaller but we are ok right now. The parking is paid for...we don't pay for the room...we have a good time and some of us still go out to eat afterwards. Just a thought and I hope you find someplace to use.....It's great to see support group grow!!!!!

Thanks for the idea. We actually have 4 practices in the greater Raleigh area and they all hold their own support groups at their affiliated hospitals.

Thanks again for the idea and the support.

Barb

Oh well I am sorry!!!!! If I think of anything else I will post.....you need good support groups one's people feel comfortable about going to and the one you are putting together seems to be doing great and is needed. :-)  Hey does anyone live in a neighborhood they could the a clubhouse? Thoese are normally free. :-)

Again good luck!!!!! And keep up the great work!!!!!!

The neighborhood clubhouse idea is a good one and we've thought of it, but haven't been able to make a connection yet. Hopefully, we will soon.

Thanks again for your suggestions. They are appreciated.

Barb

It was a great get-together.  The more people we have, the more support.  :) Barb, thanks as always for organizing.  I agree that it's not right for you to have to fit the bill for our group.  You are already donating your time to runnig things and we are all reaping the benefits.  I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect us all to contribute.  Just let us know what you think would be appropriate...& if you don't, I'll just start showing up with a few extra $$ to stuff in your purse.  :)