Dear Rotary Club of Bellingham members,
Because our regular meeting was canceled today - and we don't meet next Monday because of Labor Day - we are on a fast track to September 26 and need your help. This is an important message about our event on Saturday, September 26, 1:30, at Hovander Park in Ferndale, scheduled to occur in rain or shine.
Your Wacky Wickets Committee has been meeting for 6 months to prepare for this year's event - our 2nd Annual Wacky Wickets Tournament. We are happy to inform you that this is NOT an auction, but a fun-filled event for our members and guests.
Why are we having it? During our RCOB planning process a few years ago we decided to hold an annual fundraising event to help support all of our projects. Proceeds from this event will enhance our giving opportunities in our International Project, Major Project, Service Grants, and Scholarships. Last year Wacky Wickets raised $18,000; after expenses, we were able to disburse about $11,500. Our expenses will be similar this year, so greater attendance will increase what we can disburse. Please consider attending if only for this reason!
What do attendees get for their contribution? A super grilled salmon dinner with delicious side dishes, complimented with wine, beer, and other beverages; an opportunity to play a crazy croquet game; fellowship with other Rotarians and their guests. And, the satisfaction that you have contributed as a Rotarian to the work our club does throughout the year. You can't beat it for $30 as a spectator, or $50 as a participant.
What IS Wacky Wickets? Each of our 10 sponsors are busy developing their own "hole" (think golf, only it's croquet). Sponsors have free range to be as creative as possible! Here is a sampling of the rules:
- Each team of 6 will play all of the 10 courses/holes. A round consists of five courses. Each team will play two rounds (one on courses 1-5 and the other on courses 6-10). A team may be assigned to courses 1-5 or 6-10 to begin their competition.
- Food & drink break of about 45 minutes between rounds!
- Course volunteers will tell you the specifics about playing that course when you get to it.
- Each team member will play on each course so that each member hits at least once.
- Balls and mallets will be furnished and may or may not be standard croquet equipment
- Each course will have someone to monitor play, so behave yourselves.
- Most important: a team may be penalized if a monitor determines that the team is too serious.
How do I sign up? Last year we had 189 people attend - we hope to increase that number this year - have you signed up yet? Here are the two flyers which explain the event. They are also available on the website homepage under Club News:
Simply find 5 other people to play with you, give your team a name, and feel free to wear costumes. That's all there is to it. Show up and have a good time, but most importantly, support the work that our club does locally and internationally.
To get you going, here are some team names from last year - can you guess who was the captain for each team?
Five Hamsters and an Irishman
Samish Highlanders
Anvillagers
Haskell's Rascals
Wacky Packers Wicket Whackers
Bellingham Bay - Bad to the Bone
The Davy Croquet Crank Handlers
TCT Blue Lugnuts
RCB Bull Shooters
Vitus Vinifera
MBT Performers
Balls, Mallets and the Attorneys who love them
UpSideDownBackwards
Wacky Inventors
And The Winner Is…
The Proclaimers
Orphans
Pell-mell Pall Mall
YMCA Department of Fun
Enginerds
Screaming Penguins
By the way, if you want to play and don't have a team, we will put you on a team, so plan to attend! Please fill out your registration forms and return them to Sandee as soon as possible.
How else can I help? We are in need of volunteers to assist at the holes or with other logistics during the day. We also could use one more group willing to help design one of the holes. All are taken care of except for one. Please also spread the word to others you think might enjoy the event.
Thank you for supporting your club's major fundraiser!
Sincerely,
The Wacky Wickets Committee
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