Reflections on Portland 2012

It has been about 24 hours since our AVFC California journey to Portland for the friendly versus the Portland Timbers ended.  I was exhausted, but it was all worth it.  There was some level of planning involved (buying, collecting payments, distributing tickets, arranging for a hotel group discount, preparing for the raffle, working with Aston Villa, Portland Timbers, Timbers Army, Kelly's Olympian, and The Bitter End) and then all of the coordination as the events unfolded.  I was so pleased with the turnout and how flexible and helpful everyone was during the events.  Having Ian Taylor at Kelly;s Olympian was a hit with our membership and that brought great satisfaction.  Would I have done anything different?  Maybe encourage more members to join us on the next one, have an Acorns banner made and have Acorns literature available to educate folks more as part of the charity raffle, and arrange for a supporters game like they had in Philly and Chicago.

This is another step forward in the growth of AVFC California.  This trip helped draw us together as a California Lions family and also provided us even greater exposure to Villa supporters from other parts of the U.S. and also back in Birmingham.  Can't wait until the next time!  (Maybe at Villa Park?)

...will need to get in touch with Tom Hanks :)

  

Portland prep (con't)

Working on logistics for the Acorns raffle, but it is coming together.  I had some buttons made a couple of weeks ago to give out to AVFC California members in Portland and then thought name tags would be nice to have for members to connect with one another.  Figured out a way to use the buttons and make a name tag by adding 1/2 of an index card.  Its good because it will serve its purpose as a name tag, but it isn't permanent and can function alone as a button still.

Portland is Drawing Near

It is the eve of the start of the U.S. Tour for Villa.  It is amazing to read about the planning and activities that have been planned for by other U.S. Lions Club chairmen with AVFC.  Out tour stop is Portland Oregon.  Because there isn't a Lions Club in Oregon, our club - AVFC California - has stepped up to take a lead role in planning activities for Villa supporters coming to Portland.  The pleasant surprise in taking the plunge on this event,  I have encountered so much support and cooperation from AVFC marketing staff, Portland Timbers marking staff, The Timbers Army, our own AVFC California members, and all the Villa supporters on Facebook.  

I am feeling a little nervous about it all as it draws closer.  Will it be an enjoyable time for all?  Have I gotten to far over my head?  Should I be doing more?  At this point, I really don't have enough time to plan anything additional.  Its time to just let it happen and the Claret and Blue spirit will take over.  This is AVFC California's first "formal" meet-up other than at our pubs on match day.  Gonna have to figure out a creative way to have members wear name tags that have some Villa spirit.  I guess I do still have some thinking and work to do before the 24th!  UTV!