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 :)

  

Well, the time has come!

California Lions are preparing for travel with some already in transit to Portland.  Meet-ups are set.  Open training.  Acorns raffle.  At this point, its time to just let everything roll out on its own.  It should be a great time.  I'm really hoping that the Acorns raffle generates a lot of interest and money for Acorns.  Villa's connection with Acorns is what drew me to Villa in the first place and now we have a California Lions branch with close to 80 members on our roster.

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!

Working on Portland

Still busy working on activities related to the Portland trip.  We are fortunate in being able to confirm that Ian Taylor will join us for our AVFC California gathering on match day.  I haven't had the opportunity to meet Ian in person yet, but from what I can tell from video and podcasts, he seems like a great guy and loves to be in contact with the fans.

We are hoping to also schedule an opportunity for members to attend an open practice, but Villa is still working on this with the Timbers.

Also still working hard to get the word out on our store to support Acorns Children's Hospice! http://www.cafepress.com/avfccalifornia     We have raised some money already, but want to raise so much more.

Support Stan...in Portland!

I was fortunate to have been in contact with both the Portland Timbers and Aston Villa today with a request to have the "Support Stan" graphic shown on the in-stadium screen at Jeld Wen Field in July for a 19th minute applause for Stiliyan.  The Timbers organization was happy to help out and Aston Villa will arrange to have the image emailed for use in Portland.  Alot of thanks to the Timbers for being open to the idea and to provide a response very quickly.  It will be nice for Villa supporters living in the western U.S. to be able to participate in a 19th minute ovation for our captain.     

Processing Tickets

Just received the group tickets for the Villa/Portland Timbers match and spent a little time tonight processing them to send them out to those members I have received payments from already.  Its pretty exciting to have this event coming up in July.  With the physical tickets in hand - it is starting to feel very REAL now.  Being part of a supporters group so far from Birmingham has its challenges.  Since AVFC California covers the entire state, we are spread out geographically.  This Portland trip will be great to have a bunch of us together in one place.  I know that the English chairmen have there own set of challenges too (buying match tickets, arranging coaches, away fixture travel, etc.).  Technology helps keep some of us Villans abroad in touch and connected with the Club.

Also received my Spurs match ticket from Birmingham in the post today.