Troop #45
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Disney Star Wars Weekends 2009
Wo0t! It's here!
Starting 5/22 and running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for four weekends total, this event kicks major ass. The 501st Legion does a march at 11:40 am on the dot each day along with the Star Wars celebrities. Also in attendance will be the Rebel Legion.
Check out the sweet promo posters Disney released this year.
Starting 5/22 and running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for four weekends total, this event kicks major ass. The 501st Legion does a march at 11:40 am on the dot each day along with the Star Wars celebrities. Also in attendance will be the Rebel Legion.
Check out the sweet promo posters Disney released this year.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Private Troop
Troop #37
Best. Troop. Ever.
A chance meeting last year at another troop put me in contact with a childhood sports icon of mine. His wife invited me out to their home in St. Petersburg, Florida so that I could spend some time with their eight year old son who is diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. He loves Star Wars and would be thrilled, to say the least.
So after months of planning around his schedule we finally set a date for the meet and greet. Based on costumes that the son was fond of I was able to choose a small, four member group to go with me on this event. I was beyond pins and needles walking into the house of a guy I have watched play hockey since the early 90's. Thankfully Brian (our local Vader) drove us out there and kept me from getting overwhelmed.
Upon arrival I got to meet him and his son, who was already wearing his Halloween Darth Vader costume awaiting our visit. He had been talking about it for days and was completely convinced that real Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, and a Jedi were coming to see him. I was shown the area we would be changing into costume in and given some basic do's and dont's as not to overwhelm their child. I got our group together, we got suited up and made our way into the main area where their son would be waiting for us. And low and behold, my moment of complete nerdy victory was nearly ruined when my visor piece shifted down, making me believe it had broken. It had not - PHEW! So, round two: we make our entrance.
The mother put the Star Wars music onto their home theater system as we entered the main area. We were almost instantly flocked by children and adults alike. With cameras flashing the boy could not contain his happiness and kept running back and forth to us, talking to us, and then hiding from us. It was amazing to see this child completely captivated by what was standing in front of him. Myself and another member from our small motley crew brought some special items for him. They included: an honorary membership into the 501st Legion, a certificate announcing him as a Jedi Padawan, two 501st Legion special edition action figures, and a really rad 18" Yoda doll (which I actually want one for myself now!). The little guy was so cute and delivered an authentic "thank you" for each gift as it was presented. Then he wanted to show us his room which is apparently covered wall to wall with Star Wars memorabilia. Unfortunately, we can't go up or down stairs safely.
We got some really great photos with the family and guests. One in particular was a moment of nerd triumph for me when I got to put my boyhood idol on both knees with his hands locked above his head in an arrested position as we posed behind him, seemingly taking him into custody.
About 20 minutes after first walking out I gave the family the hand signal that we were getting out of costume. After we got out of costume I realized how fast it went. But then the night got even more awesome when he asked us to stay and have a few beers, made us dinner on the grill, watched some NHL Playoffs, and hang out and socialize for a while! No words can describe how elated I felt being there hanging out with my favorite goalie of all time, drinking his beer and knowing that he was just as genuinely interested in us as we were him.
We tried not to overstay our welcome and dipped out after about two hours. Upon leaving he made it a point to tell us how much it meant to him and his family that we did this for his son. He gave us a parting gift in the form of writing out thank you cards on some of his promotional player profile cards. He was absolutely blown away when we invariably refused any type of payment for our services and instead referred him to visit our main site (http://www.501st.com/) and select one of the charities we work with to make a donation in the name of the 501st Legion.
I was almost completely silent the entire ride home which for anybody that is reading this knows I am only silent when I sleep, and sometimes not even then (hi Page!). My night ended back at Brian's outside man cave over another beer and a well-deserved smoke. When I got home I immediately framed the signed profile card he gave me. I passed out almost immediately afterwards. I slept like a rock.
Looking back I can't help but think that I've done so many events since I got laid off back in August (yes, I am still looking) and done so selflessly for the benefit of others without the expectation of reward or compensation. I've done fundraisers for children with cancer, visited VA hospitals, participated in birthday parties, autism walks, parades, comic book shows, promoted the release of video games, and on and on. So maybe, just maybe...this was my reward. I am a big believer in Karma and hopefully this was some positive existential nod in my direction.
I left a voicemail asking the family if I can post their names and photos from the event here. If so, I'd love to share and avoid the secrecy of who it was.
Best. Troop. Ever.
A chance meeting last year at another troop put me in contact with a childhood sports icon of mine. His wife invited me out to their home in St. Petersburg, Florida so that I could spend some time with their eight year old son who is diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. He loves Star Wars and would be thrilled, to say the least.
So after months of planning around his schedule we finally set a date for the meet and greet. Based on costumes that the son was fond of I was able to choose a small, four member group to go with me on this event. I was beyond pins and needles walking into the house of a guy I have watched play hockey since the early 90's. Thankfully Brian (our local Vader) drove us out there and kept me from getting overwhelmed.
Upon arrival I got to meet him and his son, who was already wearing his Halloween Darth Vader costume awaiting our visit. He had been talking about it for days and was completely convinced that real Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, and a Jedi were coming to see him. I was shown the area we would be changing into costume in and given some basic do's and dont's as not to overwhelm their child. I got our group together, we got suited up and made our way into the main area where their son would be waiting for us. And low and behold, my moment of complete nerdy victory was nearly ruined when my visor piece shifted down, making me believe it had broken. It had not - PHEW! So, round two: we make our entrance.
The mother put the Star Wars music onto their home theater system as we entered the main area. We were almost instantly flocked by children and adults alike. With cameras flashing the boy could not contain his happiness and kept running back and forth to us, talking to us, and then hiding from us. It was amazing to see this child completely captivated by what was standing in front of him. Myself and another member from our small motley crew brought some special items for him. They included: an honorary membership into the 501st Legion, a certificate announcing him as a Jedi Padawan, two 501st Legion special edition action figures, and a really rad 18" Yoda doll (which I actually want one for myself now!). The little guy was so cute and delivered an authentic "thank you" for each gift as it was presented. Then he wanted to show us his room which is apparently covered wall to wall with Star Wars memorabilia. Unfortunately, we can't go up or down stairs safely.
We got some really great photos with the family and guests. One in particular was a moment of nerd triumph for me when I got to put my boyhood idol on both knees with his hands locked above his head in an arrested position as we posed behind him, seemingly taking him into custody.
About 20 minutes after first walking out I gave the family the hand signal that we were getting out of costume. After we got out of costume I realized how fast it went. But then the night got even more awesome when he asked us to stay and have a few beers, made us dinner on the grill, watched some NHL Playoffs, and hang out and socialize for a while! No words can describe how elated I felt being there hanging out with my favorite goalie of all time, drinking his beer and knowing that he was just as genuinely interested in us as we were him.
We tried not to overstay our welcome and dipped out after about two hours. Upon leaving he made it a point to tell us how much it meant to him and his family that we did this for his son. He gave us a parting gift in the form of writing out thank you cards on some of his promotional player profile cards. He was absolutely blown away when we invariably refused any type of payment for our services and instead referred him to visit our main site (http://www.501st.com/) and select one of the charities we work with to make a donation in the name of the 501st Legion.
I was almost completely silent the entire ride home which for anybody that is reading this knows I am only silent when I sleep, and sometimes not even then (hi Page!). My night ended back at Brian's outside man cave over another beer and a well-deserved smoke. When I got home I immediately framed the signed profile card he gave me. I passed out almost immediately afterwards. I slept like a rock.
Looking back I can't help but think that I've done so many events since I got laid off back in August (yes, I am still looking) and done so selflessly for the benefit of others without the expectation of reward or compensation. I've done fundraisers for children with cancer, visited VA hospitals, participated in birthday parties, autism walks, parades, comic book shows, promoted the release of video games, and on and on. So maybe, just maybe...this was my reward. I am a big believer in Karma and hopefully this was some positive existential nod in my direction.
I left a voicemail asking the family if I can post their names and photos from the event here. If so, I'd love to share and avoid the secrecy of who it was.
Exotic Car Show Festival
Troop #36
The 501st Legion was asked to participate in a high profile fundraiser where those who have world class sports cars bring out their toys in an effort to raise donations for the Make A Wish Foundation. One of the many philanthropists owns a Landspeeder that was used in the movie Star Wars: A New Hope (the original 1977 Star Wars) so we were asked to come out in costume and allow people to take pictures with us if they made a donation.
It was a very fun event and raised upwards of $200,000 over the three day event. As a special treat Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) was there signing autographs for guests as well for donations. The crowds loved us. The cars were awesome enough to make at least seven more of my balls drop.
The 501st Legion was asked to participate in a high profile fundraiser where those who have world class sports cars bring out their toys in an effort to raise donations for the Make A Wish Foundation. One of the many philanthropists owns a Landspeeder that was used in the movie Star Wars: A New Hope (the original 1977 Star Wars) so we were asked to come out in costume and allow people to take pictures with us if they made a donation.
It was a very fun event and raised upwards of $200,000 over the three day event. As a special treat Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) was there signing autographs for guests as well for donations. The crowds loved us. The cars were awesome enough to make at least seven more of my balls drop.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ben Will's Birthday Party
Troop #35
Scott Will threw the Star Wars birthday party of all time. Millennium Falcon cakes, Pizza The Hutts, Han in Carbonite bean dip, Blue Milk ice cream, Death Star pinata, Lightsaber training for all the young Padawans.
This party was the shit. I won't lie: I want Scott to plan my next birthday bash!
Scott Will threw the Star Wars birthday party of all time. Millennium Falcon cakes, Pizza The Hutts, Han in Carbonite bean dip, Blue Milk ice cream, Death Star pinata, Lightsaber training for all the young Padawans.
This party was the shit. I won't lie: I want Scott to plan my next birthday bash!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Children's Cancer Center Annual Carnival
Troop #34
My mom is the bomb. She works for an insurance company that places non-profit organizations with appropriate insurance providers. One of her customers, the Children's Cancer Center of Tampa, Florida was very excited to hear about the 501st Legion and our charity works. After a few months of negotiated a proper venue for out group to participate in. The CCC has an annual carnival that provides the families from the center a place for outdoor activities, games, and just general carnival fun.
We lucked out by being able to have an entire sleeping dorm to ourselves for changing and staging our members. We also got to take over the library at the camp ground where it was being hosted. Members brought toys, action figures, sticker, temp tattoos, and props for a display table. We also had an authentic Star Wars backdrop inside the library so the children and families could take photos with our costumed members.
This was our first troop (let alone the first troop I have setup for our group) with the CCC and they were more than impressed. Our members showed up in force for a total of 24 costumed characters, some driving almost two hours just to be there. It opened the door to many more events for the 501st and the CCC to form a partnership to better the lives of children.
My mom is the bomb. She works for an insurance company that places non-profit organizations with appropriate insurance providers. One of her customers, the Children's Cancer Center of Tampa, Florida was very excited to hear about the 501st Legion and our charity works. After a few months of negotiated a proper venue for out group to participate in. The CCC has an annual carnival that provides the families from the center a place for outdoor activities, games, and just general carnival fun.
We lucked out by being able to have an entire sleeping dorm to ourselves for changing and staging our members. We also got to take over the library at the camp ground where it was being hosted. Members brought toys, action figures, sticker, temp tattoos, and props for a display table. We also had an authentic Star Wars backdrop inside the library so the children and families could take photos with our costumed members.
This was our first troop (let alone the first troop I have setup for our group) with the CCC and they were more than impressed. Our members showed up in force for a total of 24 costumed characters, some driving almost two hours just to be there. It opened the door to many more events for the 501st and the CCC to form a partnership to better the lives of children.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Relay For Life
Troop #33
The Relay For Life is an 18 hour event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Our members are spread all throughout the state for these events. Our local group was invited to the one hosted by Newsome High School just outside Brandon. The point is to have a constantly moving team of sponsored individuals or teams in order to raise money for the ACS.
The 501st was invited there to have participants and guests take photos for an optional donation. It was mad windy out and made for very uncomfortable settings. Changing in the bathroom didn't help matters either...
The Relay For Life is an 18 hour event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Our members are spread all throughout the state for these events. Our local group was invited to the one hosted by Newsome High School just outside Brandon. The point is to have a constantly moving team of sponsored individuals or teams in order to raise money for the ACS.
The 501st was invited there to have participants and guests take photos for an optional donation. It was mad windy out and made for very uncomfortable settings. Changing in the bathroom didn't help matters either...
Walk Now For Autism
Troop #32
Total Donations : $144,508
On March 28th, despite over 40 mile an hour winds, over 2800 people walked at MOSI in Tampa for the 2009 Tampa Bay Walk Now for Autism, the kick-off party to the 2009 Autism Speaks Tampa Bay Annual Fundraising Campaign. The walkers from more than 210 teams, raised over $140,000. We are now over half way to our $250,000 goal!
We would like to thank Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio for presenting a proclamation declaring March 28th Autism Awareness Day in Tampa. A very special thanks to the Tampa Bay 501st Legion for bringing their amazing Star Wars characters to the walk. Thank you to DJ Elvis for always keeping the music playing and Keith Connors from The New Magic 94.9 for welcoming our guests. Thank you to David Glickman for MCing the stage program. Thank you to the 49 resource fair vendors and to all of the companies who donated snack and drinks. A VERY special thank you to our sponsors. Thank you to Tammy Berk from Berk Photography and Troy Salisbury from Photographic Memories for donating their time and talents.
Thank you to the 2009 Tampa Bay Planning Committee for their hard work and dedication to making the event a success. They are the true heroes.
Total Donations : $144,508
On March 28th, despite over 40 mile an hour winds, over 2800 people walked at MOSI in Tampa for the 2009 Tampa Bay Walk Now for Autism, the kick-off party to the 2009 Autism Speaks Tampa Bay Annual Fundraising Campaign. The walkers from more than 210 teams, raised over $140,000. We are now over half way to our $250,000 goal!
We would like to thank Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio for presenting a proclamation declaring March 28th Autism Awareness Day in Tampa. A very special thanks to the Tampa Bay 501st Legion for bringing their amazing Star Wars characters to the walk. Thank you to DJ Elvis for always keeping the music playing and Keith Connors from The New Magic 94.9 for welcoming our guests. Thank you to David Glickman for MCing the stage program. Thank you to the 49 resource fair vendors and to all of the companies who donated snack and drinks. A VERY special thank you to our sponsors. Thank you to Tammy Berk from Berk Photography and Troy Salisbury from Photographic Memories for donating their time and talents.
Thank you to the 2009 Tampa Bay Planning Committee for their hard work and dedication to making the event a success. They are the true heroes.
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