by Richard Weinstein, COO
Ocean Reef Community Foundation
My son just finished his first marathon last month in Miami. Of course it turned out to be the hottest day of the winter season and that slowed down the whole field of competition. But the goal was to complete it and mission accomplished. It reminded me of a few years back when he and I ran that same race in Miami for the half marathon and as we completed mile 11, I told him we were starting the “last mile, before the last mile.” Well, all he heard was “last mile” and he was quite perturbed to find out there was still another “last mile” to follow. My logic was that the “last mile” is wonderfully energetic and rejuvenating, so knowing that was only a mile away should have the same affect.
That was similar to when he was younger on summer vacation trips when the ubiquitous question of “are we there yet?” would come up. The answer was that we are “almost, almost there.” Not quite to almost there but soon enough. Jamaicans would just say “soon come.” Our boat of many years was named “Almost There.”
Well, we have now actually arrived at Almost There for the All Charities Gala. Just a few short weeks away – it is a little later than usual due to Super Bowl scheduling, but that gave us more time to add even more exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind, priceless experiences, trips, dinners, and more. Plus an amazing and wide array of iconic wines, beautiful art, and activities. All this can be yours by simply placing the highest bid. And you don’t even have to stay active on the bidding. Our online system allows you to place your highest bid and it will automatically bid for you. This does NOT mean it will bid you up to that maximum bid right away; it will only bid you up to the next highest bid increment. And if you have already placed your highest bid and someone bids that same amount…the system will give preference to your bid as the first in and force the other bidder up if they want to stay in the game.
You can preview the Silent Auction items at the Friday Night Wine and Bourbon Tasting on February 20 at Carysfort Hall. It’s a fun event and available to all Members. You can pay at the door. Then join us for lunch the following day at the Burgers, Beers & Bidding event in the same location. Take a ride on the water with Barton and Gray (sign up in advance at Bartonandgray.com/orc). And be sure to visit with NetJets at the airport to tour some of their newest aircraft. These are just two of the Preferred Partners who will be on hand Friday night and Saturday along with our other Preferred Partners.
Working with the Event chairs and Silent Auction chairs along with the All Charities Advisors, we start planning for this annual event right about the time the previous year’s event closes. So although a very different kind of endurance training, it is, in its own way, a marathon, and as with any marathon, no one makes it across that finish line without support, and we are grateful to all these volunteers on these committees and all the Members who donate an item for the auction and all the Trustees who commit to this endeavor. Collectively they (YOU) help us get across the finish line!
