University Hospitals Thread

Ok, I called my dad and got the phone number for the person who coordinates the cancer wing of the hospital, a family friend. So I intend on calling her sometime this week and talking about the possibility of doing something before the holidays for kids with cancer. However, I think we should discuss any tentative dates we might want to go and do this.

*I am in favor of going either December 21st, or 28th (even though it's after Christmas, it never hurts to get presents after) because I get out of school on December 20. I don't want to deal with final exams and this trip at the same time, so I'd like to hold off on it until after I'm done with classes, and I am sure Candii and Emily won't get out of school until around a similar time.

Please post any thoughts about these 2 days. I'm leaning more towards the 21st, but that's just me. Please put your opinion down ASAP so we can get this thing moving!

Either day is fine, what we really need is a good turnout from those of us with costumes...jedi mostly, but anyone with cool costumes could be helpful (some kids like the bad guys!)

I'm personally asking our friends from TBX (especially those with costumes) to help us out on this one. We need to gather as many costumes as possible to make a good impression; although people in regular clothes as "escorts" is a good idea (like the assistants for walk-around characters at Disney/Sea World parks).

While Eric is making arrangments for us to be there. We should also think of what to do once we are there. The idea was brought up to use our "charity" money raised at CII.5 to put together little "gift bags" for the kids. Those of us with arts/craft skills...any suggestions for simply things we can make (even SW-related) to give to the kids?

I'll pass the word, but I wouldn't hold thy breath. Most of the group will be busy with family stuff for the holidays. If anyone volunteers, I'll be sure to pass along any information that's posted here.

(I probably won't go as me and hospitals don't get along well)

That's a good idea. Add your name to the list if you'd be interested in volunteering to go.

VOLUNTEERS:
Random

While I was hoping you guys could be there with us, maybe you can still help in a less direct fashion. Would TBX be willing to help us by loaning out some of your costumes? Maybe even helping to put together the "gift bags" we bring? I know some people have bad memories of hospitals, and would rather avoid re-visiting them...but we could use help in other areas.

Should we seek out members of the 501st from the area? Ask if they'd like to participate in this with us?

VOLUNTEERS:
Random
Krash

I seriously doubt that anyone would be willing to loan out their costumes. Personally, I'd be too worried that a piece would get lost or something would get torn/broken. I hope you understand, it's nothing personal. Heck, I get worried when my wife takes our video camera out for something.

I'll see what I can do. Again, no promises.

Yeah, I figured that was a long shot...but I had to ask. You could still help with the "gift bag" assembly (when that gets started)

I sent off e-mails to the 501st and Ohio Star Wars Collector's Club (based out of Akron) to establish contact with any members in the area who might be willing to help out. If not, at least open relations with other SW-groups like ourselves.

Greetings from Boston. I would love to help out with this. I probably wouldn't be able to make it on the 21st, since that's the day I'm flying home, but the 28th would definitely work for me. I would, however, require a generous soul to provide me with transportation.

VOLUNTEERS:
Random
Krash
SWChick

(For those of you who don't remember me, my name is Roseanna...I go to MIT, so I'm only around when I'm at home in Canton.)

I know that I will not be able to go. However some of us at TBX will be participating in another toy drive that takes place each year at a local adult club. Always has been a tradition with us to help out in that.

Good to hear from you again starwarschick14...it's been a long time!

How's school going? Anything you can do to help, while you're in town would be great! We just had our monthly meeting...but there are a couple things in the works, you should come join us (while you're in town)

One way I can definitely help out is a donation. I'm not sure of my work schedule for December but there's a good chance I'll be working on the 28th. And I know my church delivering food to the poor on the 21st but I'm not certain of the time involved at this point. If I am able to come along, I'd like to but I don't have any Jedi garb. Also, would anyone else be able to give me a lift from the west Akron area? But no matter what count on a donation from me.

I probably won't be able to do the 21st, that is probably when our christmas party will be. (And I can't miss tripoly this year, I actually have a lot of pennies!) I'm saying probably because we haven't done the invitations yet, and since my mom's craft shows fall late this year, we can't do everything in a week.

I'll know more when the date comes nearer.

I guess I can come... I just don't have much of a costume.


VOLUNTEERS:
Random
Krash
SWChick
Padawan92

Since most of the TBX guys won't be able to participate in this...we really are going to rely on the guys from "Rite of Passage" who have jedi costumes. I haven't heard back from either the 501st or OSWCC, so as of now...we're on our own.

Should I ask our friends from Detroit (who do a lot of work with costuming) if they'd like to make the trip down to Cleveland...help us out...and then maybe go over to WRHS for the starfighter exhibit?

Inviting Detroit would be a good idea, seeing as practically all of them have costumes. But as for you... what about your "bathrobe"?

OK... in seriousness, Geoff, I think this is one of those times where you need to exercise executive power and just give me a date for this thing so that I can call and make arrangements... I'd like to have a day before I call, so I'll do that within the next few days once you read this and give me a day to tell them we're coming (assuming they'll allow us to come and visit).

Yes, it has been a long time hasn't it? School is...tolerable...at the moment. I definitely want to come to a meeting if you have one while I'm home, and I'll help out in any way I can.

"They've finally given you an assignment"

As I said at the last meeting, Random has taken a personal interest in this project...so I'm comfortable with letting him set the day. I made a few suggestions(via PM), and offered to help where I can, but this is HIS assignment.

If it will make your life easier, I've spoken with MiraxTHorn from Detroit about them possible coming to join us, as well as contacted the 501st. I can handle the communications between the different organizations...you focus on planning things here in Cleveland.

EDIT: For the record, I suggested to Random we go on Sunday December 22nd.

Ok... with some "guidance from the Supreme Chancellor" I have decided that I will ask UH if December 22nd is a good day for us to come, because this should enable Cindy and Rosie (and Skyedancer???), and possibly others (sorry if I forgot anyone) to come help us out.

PLEASE PEOPLE... unless really special circumstances prevent you from coming to this, please try to come and help us out. I've had to visit my mom in the hospital for a number of holidays... and let me tell you, it sucks. You don't know how important this will be to the kids especially. Assuming I can get my costume from Bret before we go, I can't wait to see these kids and hear them tell their friends and family that they met a real Jedi. PLEASE PEOPLE OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF YOUR HEART COME, RELIGIOUS OR NOT!!!

So pencil it in for now... now that I have a date set, I will do my best to call my contact tomorrow and get some "definites" in place.

Here's our current list of volunteers. If this date change helped you out and you can come and would like to join us... PLEASE, PLEASE SIGN UP!!!

VOLUNTEERS:
Random
Krash
SWChick
Padawan92

If I can manage to make the date, I'll do it. I guess I'll be one of the team of "handlers" for Random due to lack of Jedi costume.

-b-

I'll try to make it but I'll see what I can do.

If it is going to be on the 22nd, I'm sure I can come. (Might be a bit tired though... )

VOLUNTEERS:
Random
Krash
SWChick
Padawan92
JJJedi

And Tim, (GenerationX7), if you need a ride if you can come, I'll see if I can take you.

Cindy... could you give Rose (SWChick) a ride too then? She seems to be having difficulty with transportation...

I don't know... Canton is a little bit far for me and in the other direction.

I'm closer to canton than Cindy, but that weekend may turn out to be my family xmas get-together-do-hickey-party-thing, so i'm not sure if i'll make it

-b-

OK. I called my contact, but she wasn't there, so I left a message on her voicemail. Hopefully she will call me back soon and I can find out if we're allowed to go and do this, and if so, if the 22nd will be ok for us to go. So keep checking the thread regularly for any updates.