Mission Report: Michigan Care House Black Tie Event

[qui-gon32]

What a fantastic evening! The whole night was completely out of my realm of normal experience. I arrived around 5:00pm at The Townsend Hotel In Birmingham as per instructions, already in Jedi attire which drew a couple of strange stares, but I am use to that. A hotel employee promptly greeted me and escorted me to the third floor where they had arranged a conference room for all of us to get ready in, complete with sodas and water.

Two members of the 501st were already there and the rest were not far behind. Soon, the whole group was ready to make our appearance at the Hollywood Nights Silent Auction. 4 TKs, 2 Imperial Officers, a Tie pilot, Boba Fett, and 3 Jedi. Two TKs were posted outside at the hotels entrance as some remained in the lobby with the Jedi to mingle and take photos with guests, while in the auction area, two TKs were stationed on either side of the room while I chose mingling detail. As I was to remain in character the entire time, I greeted guests as they passed by with a humble "May the force be with you." An all girls choir was on stage singing gospel songs and a few well known Motown hits. Wow, they sounded fabulous!

After the silent auction ended, the TKs went back to the room to change before dinner. A dinner that was the highlight of the evening for me. All of us sat around one big table and I had the privilege of breaking bread with an excellent group of people. The food was great, what a spread! Tree different kinds of sangwiches (that is how I say sandwich), a ton of fruit, salad,hot French fries and gravy, four different kinds of cookies, sodas, coffee, tea, and an impressive variety of condiments! It was so nice to partake in the fellowship that this organization is all about. Being that I stay in rather small circles, this was a big deal for me. I know you who is reading this can identify with how fun it is to troop with other members. Many laughs were had through out the evening.

After dinner, everyone headed upstairs to either collect their things and call it a night or hang out until the dance portion of the night. The live auction did not end until almost 10pm. Jon L.(TK), Dave G.(Boba) and myself were the only ones to stay for the dance that was nothing more than big band slow dances so we decided to split after a half hour. The organizers of the event thanked each and every one of us on our way out as rob2112 said on his post at midwest base.com. He also reported that Blasty Trooper(Jon L.) posted on the garrison site that the Care House raised $259,900 and the adorable Golden Lab puppy fetched $2500.00.
You can find pictures of the event either on the Michigan Garrison site or at Midwest Base site in the Michigan events thread/ MI Care House. Rob2112 has posted them there. I will see if he could post them here.
Blasty also thanked everyone who attended.
From the 501st, Jon L., Rob B., Chris B., Scott W., Martin, Julie B., Diana F., Dave G. From Midwest Base, Rob H., Jedi Steve. Thanks Guys!!!
Every one did a fantastic job and I had a wonderful time. I hope to see you all again soon.
May the Force be with you.

Qui-Gon32

Bonus fact: On my way out to the parking lot two older teenagers were riding their bikes past the hotel as I crossed the street. One seriously threatened to beat me up as he was approaching my position calling me a Star Wars freak. I ignited my Force FX Lightsaber and advised him against his violent intentions. Fortunately, he took my advice and decided to turn around and head the other direction hurling insults my way. Even if he wasn't really going to try anything,I was taking no chances.

[lavagrrrl (Susie Leopold)]

I'm glad you had a good time at the event. Here's Blasty's report of the evening:

[qui-gon32]

Thank you for posting the pictures! As you can tell we had quite a time. Thank you again for making it happen so we could be there. The essence of being a Jedi is to be in the service of others.
That is a duty I take very seriously.

Always at your service, (that goes for everyone, Rebels and 501st!)
May the Force be with you.
Qui-Gon32

[Princess Leia Organa (Lori)]

Great pics and nice event! Looks like it went well and was a lot of fun
_________________
R/S Original Trilogy LCJ
BH-0937 "Boushh Leia" of Florida Garrison