As most of you know, our Class of ’88 is tasked with planning and running the 2007 “Touch of Iolani” event. Each year, the class that is one year away from its 20-year reunion is in charge. Our class steering committee, headed by Lisa Lee Simon and a slate of subcommittee chairs, is already busily at work but more help will be needed.
Over the years, “Touch” has grown in size, complexity, and funds raised for the Alumni Association and the school. Meeting the `Iolani community’s expectations for this event – great food & beverages, entertainment, huge silent auction, and enjoyment for 900+ guests – is going to require the support and effort of as many classmates as we can track down.
How can we help?
- HOLD THE DATES – Event setup all day Friday, Aug. 3rd and all day Saturday, Aug. 4th can use the help of everyone who can make it. For classmates living away who want to get reconnected instantly … fly in early so you can spend both days with the Touch crew. Classmates living on Oahu … please block a vacation day for Aug. 3rd and a kid-sitter for the 4th. Plenty of time to plan, so no excuses. J
- CONTACT THE MANPOWER COMMITTEE – E-mail Manpower committee chairs Brad Sakamoto (Bradston@hawaii.rr.com) or Cec Tsuchiya (ctsuch1@hotmail.com) to let them know how you want to help. Besides event setup and staffing, some of the planning subcommittees can use help during the months leading up to the event. Also, significant others willing to kokua have played a big part in every Touch. Compiling the manpower list early is important for planning and ordering class attire, so please don’t delay in contacting Brad or Cec to pledge your help.
- HUSTLE DONATIONS – The first step to a successful silent auction is securing “good stuff.” Whether sponsored by our employer, business contacts, parents, or friends, or the generosity of our own hearts, we all can and should contribute something that will capture bidders’ interest (and $$$). For those who would rather not tap a “connection” to get a donation, members of previous classes have donated gift certificates or cash. The committee can leverage cash donations by asking restaurants to sell discounted gift certificates or by purchasing airfare to create big-ticket trip packages. If you have any close connections to business owners who would be willing to donate goods or services to the
- BUY YOUR TICKETS – It is an established Touch policy is that volunteering or donating does not get anyone into the event free. Everyone (including kids age 1 or older) must purchase a ticket to be present at the event. Please help Kevin Nishikawa and the Ticket Sales subcommittee to get a head start by mailing in your order form (available in the next Iolani Bulletin) early.
That’s it for now. Mark Fujimoto and I are heading up Publicity, so you’ll definitely be hearing from us again soon!
Mahalo,
Scott
