We REALLY DID cut a ribbon and though you can't really see them in this photo, those scissors were BIG and gold and sharp!
Please remember, I am a teacher first and foremost, so when a couple of our board members mentioned that they wanted us to have a Grand Opening for The 100 Mile Club, my first reaction was...
Huh? What? Grand Opening...really? why?
This is all relatively new to me, this world of business and non-profits, and grants, and partnerships. I am learning (FAST!), but still, I didn't quite understand what a Grand Opening was all about, or why 100 Mile Club, an organization that is so big, philosophically-based, SCHOOL-based, and spread-out should have a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Event. We don't even have a physical place, really. We are a people-based organization, not a store or anything, so I was understandibly confused. O_o
(By the way, a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting event is affectionately and efficiently called a GORC in certain circles, so when it was originally proposed to me via text message as, "We need to have a GORC for 100 Mile Club...", I was like GORC? What is this GORC? What am I missing? Help me understand!!!).
So...I did what any normal confused person would do:
I googled.
Here is what I learned...
Once an organization is organized and ready to receive more clients, it will then sponsor a Grand Opening event.
A Grand Opening is stating that there is a special event planned. Often this is achieved with a party type atmosphere such as: food, music, prizes, balloons, giveaways, festive signs, and so on.
Still others go a bit further and have a ribbon cutting ceremony, where an oversized pair of scissors is used to cut an over sized ribbon to "officially" open their doors.
Generally, a Grand Opening is regarded as a promotional way for an organization to state that it is completely ready to serve its clients proficiently and professionally.
OK. Got it! We can do that...
So we set a date, found a place, and went for it. We chose McKinley Elementary School in Corona for our Grand Opening location for so many reasons, but mainly because 100 Mile Club was raised at McKinley. (FUN FACT: 100 Mile Club was BORN at Washington Elementary in Corona, my very first school, in 1992.)
The Corona Chamber of Commerce is amazing at GORC's (see? I'm learning!), so the work was relatively simple. I didn't do a whole lot to plan it. The other details were worked out by Board Member Ellie VanDoornum, who is a rockstar in every way.
We contacted the following caterers and extraordinary people to help us feed the people:
Windy Plum Farms, who made a whol bunch of the. most. delicious. Blue Cheese Grapes EVER! To die for. Thank you, Mark Neely!
As you Like It Catering sent over perfect cookies and dessert tasties for everyone!! YUM! Thank you so much to Rachel and Phyllis for being so nice. :)
Backwoods BBQ got it done with scrumptious PASTA BOLOGNAISE and Cole Slaw. We all left STUFFED! Thank you to Mayor Steve Nolan for your omnipresent support.
and
Sweet Moments, made hundreds of mini cupcakes and surprised us with this:
Not only was it the most adorable cake ever...it was DELICIOUS! Laurice, you are Wonderwoman.
Spahrmedia. We wanted to document this occasion, and Michael Spahr stepped up, taped the whole thing for us, and took testimonials, too! He is so much fun and would be a great choice for any occasion. Plus, he sings a mean Barry Manilow and will be able to edit my little speech into something that actually makes sense! Yay! :)
The above businesses help out always and support 100 Mile Club with whatever that can, so please keep them in mind when you need something for your event or family. They are FABULOUS!
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You know when you have an event or a party, and you have this vision that nobody will show up and you will just be standing there in an empty room with decorations and cake and it's just you and food?
That so DID NOT happen!
We had a blast. Coaches can from near and far to see what this was all about. They met and networked with local businesses and hopefully made meaningful connections. The kids danced and laughed and ate tiny cupcakes (so did some of the grownups!). We got to recognize our coaches and volunteers, and the Chamber of Commerce did a great job of coaching me through the evening. I was just thrilled to see everyone all in one place!
Video is coming, thanks to Spahrmedia, so look for that soon. We are a fun group, that's for sure!
Our precious Corona Queens came out to show their support!
Special thanks to the following people who helped at our Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting on Thursday:
Deb Potts and Mrs Badger's Class for making the tables look amazing as always!
Ellie Van Doornum, for making everything look so easy.
BJ Walker, for being the calm in the middle of the storm. We so need you.
Roberta Hartman and the McKinley PTA, for set-up, balloons, and spirit!!
Janette Neumann, for the cake, flowers, and 100% enthusiasm always.
Dot Lubin, for helping with everything that noone else wants to do. And doing it with a smile. I love you.
Glen Gonsalves, for putting up with 100 Mile Club literally IN THE HOUSE all. the. time.
City of Corona, specifically Mayor Pro Tem Karen Spiegel for showing up on your busiest day and speaking so kindly of 100 Mile Club and its vision for community wellness and health.
Mayor Pro Tem Karen Spiegel presenting us with a certificate of appreciation and saying very, very nice things about 100 Mile Club. I was nervous and slightly overwhelmed.
Corona Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to the Ambassadors and Chamber President Bobby Spiegel for coming out and showing such tremendous support always.
Chamber President Bobby Spiegel helping spread the word!
Corona Norco Unified School District for the use of space and to CNUSD Board member Michell Skipworth for speaking and showing us supprt in words, actions, and spirit.
Thanks to the HEAD COACHES, friends, and students that attended and gave testimonials, too. We couldn't have done it without all of YOU!!
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