Hospitality for the Paul Blair Memorial Thanksgiving Meet

Oct 28, 2009

Dear Dolphin-Laser Parents,

We are in the early stages of organizing the 2009 Paul Blair Memorial Thanksgiving Invitational. One of the biggest challenges we face, is the task of providing food and refreshment for the coaches and officials. In the past, we have set the standard by which other meets in Arkansas are judged. Officials from around the state have said they always look forward to meets in Little Rock, because of the hospitality.

This year we will be trying something new:

First:

We will be using our web site to sign up volunteers for working sessions in the room, and managing food and drink donations. There will be seven sessions needing to be covered during this meet and there will be about 35 people to eat per session. The task will require at least one room volunteer per session. As the room volunteer, you will be in charge of the cleanliness of the room, making sure all necessities (plates, forks, knives and utensils, ice, cold water, etc.) are available, and help manage the food as it arrives. You do not have to stay in the room, but you will not be able to leave the room unattended for an extended period. We have had instances in the past where other folks have invited themselves to the party. The last session room volunteer each day will need to be prepared to finish out the day (give away extra food, empty trash, pack leftovers, etc.) and prepare the room for the next morning.

Second:

We are asking you to reach out to the community to see if any restaurants would donate a meal. Again, each meal should serve about 35 people. We need seven meals total: 2 breakfasts (Sat and Sun), 2 lunches (Sat and Sun), and 3 dinners (Fri, Sat and Sun). NOTE: The lunch for Saturday is covered, as Markham Street Pub and Grill has already committed. We will need to know these commitments as soon as possible so that we may fill the vacancies where necessary. As always, we also need bottled water and soft drinks, please drop off these items as soon as possible.

Lastly:

Everyone attending the meet should pitch in with hospitality by bringing something (if the main dish is supplied, we will still need snacks like chips and cookies, fruit trays, salads, desserts…) With our website capabilities, we can create a separate sign up from the meet as “Paul Blair Memorial Thanksgiving Invitational Hospitality”. Under the tab, you will be able to sign up what you are bringing and when you can help maintain the room.

We appreciate everyone pitching in and are looking forwarding to honoring Coach Blair by hosting a wonderful swim meet.

Thank you,

Meet Director,

Mavis Lansden