Benefit Planning

Thanks to those who have been able to help thus far, and to those offering help from afar.  I know not all those who wish to help out with the planning process will be able to attend the meetings I offer.  I appreciate the consideration and effort.

Thus far, we've had a very good crew at work.  As it stands, there isn't much new news to offer.  However, I did hear back from the City Museum. They may be able to allow us to cater our own gig by signing a waiver regarding food prep and liability for the dreaded food poisoning suits that apparently haunt the catering industry.

However, we are NOT going to be allowed to have wine or beer (as was the plan) without a licensed caterer taking responsibility for that liability.

The good news is, it appears (according to how I read an email exchange) that we may hire our own caterer.  It was previously stated that we had to use one of the caterers on the preferred list they provide.  We were trying not to spend that kind of dough in hopes of directing more funds toward the cause.

So, in short (too late) I'd like to hear any suggestions on caterers you know who might be willing to hire a staff of River Kids for the afternoon and allow them to bring their own food from home...or a caterer who will handle the gig for free would be just as handy.  :)  Anyone out there who wants to attach their good name to this whole RK shenanigan?

Ben

Shall We Hit The River????

Here's another opportunity to hit the river with Mike Clark from Big Muddy Adventures.  We're planning to meet him at the Columbia Bottoms Kayak Access ramp in Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area at about 4pm on this coming Thursday, August 20. I'm not sure how many people can afford to break away from their heavy summer schedules to join us, but I'm also not sure how many can afford NOT TO!

Let me sweeten the deal...Missouri River Relief is going to come hang with us as well.  They will bring some of their own boats to the adventure.

We'll be paddling across the Mighty Mississippi River to Duck Island where we'll clean for an hour, then gather around a campfire for some hot dogs, good conversation and maybe a 'rousing rendition of Proud Mary.

What would you need to bring?  Yourself, some boots (Tina Turner style optional) and gloves...

So, are you in?  (Carpooling options available for kids with or without parents)

Ben

Benefit Planning Walkthrough at CM

I would like to schedule a walkthrough with Kelly Richter (City Musuem event coordinator) in the afternoon on this Friday, August 21.  All River Kids who are interested in visualizing the event and asking Kelly all kinds of questions should let me know that they can attend.  I will drive up to 6 kids from NCS to the CM and back.  Adults are welcome to come join in the fun as well.

I'm aiming at the 2-4pm timeframe...I need to confirm with Kelly, so if the time changes, I apologize.

Ben

Upcoming Addition: River Kids Editorial

Hello All!

So currently, all we really have on our website is a list of updates and an admittedly out-of-date calendar. Soon this is going to change, because we're starting up a River Kids editorial. Please send all emails to jackbiggs [(at]) ncsriverkids {[dot}] org (it's written this way to prevent spamming.) Also, please attach the document as a .doc or .docx file and include your first and last name, your parent's first and last name, and your grade level at the beginning of your email and the attached document as well. You may choose your own topic, however, topics may be decided at future meetings, so show up and listen for a topic announcement if you're available. We'll start the editorial as per announcements at the next or later meetings.

Thanks!

Jack

Party Party

Happy summer for a couple more weeks!  AS we're into August here, it's becoming obvious to me that the RK Benefit is going to slip up on us this year!  

Thanks to those who joined us at the last planning meeting.  It was highly productive.  We have a theme, a schedule, ticket and flyer designs in the works, a DJ hired, and a plan of action for a humble and entertaining event focused on Living Lands and Waters.  

The theme is going to be "From the Rivers..."  There will be stories from various river rats on stand-ups around the room and activities that teach about rivers for various ages.  

Tickets will be sold online once again thanks to support from Tom Ruwitch.  

Thanks to Michelle Zignago (NCS parent) for helping turn the kids ideas for ticket designs into a reality.  She's the one behind all the graphic work you'll see on posters/flyers/tickets and more...  

Thanks to Big Shark for donating a bike for raffle/door prize.  RK will be raffling an inflatable kayak once again as well.  No canoe this year.  We're hiring Reggie Van Derson (NCS parent and DJ from last year's picnic) to spin tunes...he agreed to have the kids help him on the mic!

In hopes of saving money and going greener, the kids have decided they'd like to cater this event themselves...This is an afternoon event with appetizers and simple drinks, so they were hoping it would be possible for each family to chip in and send in some snacky foods to be collected during the week before the event and brought to the event by us.  River Kids will buy enough to supplement the collection and ensure there is enough variety. We are working now to ensure that this plan of action is okay with City Museum and that we have a way to handle dishes and such.  If this comes through, there will be some big-time roles to be filled by kids AND parents

- anyone like to bartend?

How can you help now?

   - watch for future emails about volunteer positions for the event
   - tell your friends that want to know to save the date - September 20 1-4pm - admission includes a meet and greet with Chad and Crew as well as the Chad Dunn concert, food, drinks, DJ, door prizes, a chance to bid on the Ralph Rollins sculpture, and City Museum admission.
   - Buy tickets starting the first week of school. - $30 all ages (3 and under free)
   - Help acquire donations - we will be accepting donations at any time and cash pledges per ton of trash cleaned at the September 19 cleaning event.  We expect to clean 5-6 tons that day.  We'll be working on a pledge form for formal commitments, but spreading the word and getting individuals and corporations to start thinking about it would be helpful now.
   - Collect stories from river-gurus and forward them my way.  If you know someone who's active or experienced in the river world, ask them to tell you a story about a river they love...could be anything.  We just want a bunch of stories that reflect the way rivers have affected us all...These do not need to be famous people, just people who love rivers and have a story to tell.  Pictures are welcome in connection with a story as well.  We'll use them on the stand-up boards.  DEADLINE - SEPTEMBER 4.  SOONER IS BETTER!

NEXT planning meeting Tuesday, August 11 - 3:30-6pm

Please join us if you are able.  Let me know via email that you are planning to attend.

Let me know if you have any questions...some things are in the works still, but I'll do my best to keep you informed.

Ben