The fan club is making a change. It's an important change that will ultimately allow the fan club to grow. The change, however, won't be immediate, it will occur over a period of time. Definite plans for club direction will be determined so that the transition is smooth and seamless. This will not be an immediate and haphazard event.
The fan club will be moving forward. We already have a tremendous body of volunteers in place in the club; volunteers who truly keep the club going. Los Angeles 2001 is in a little less than 4 weeks. Basically, all I have had to do since the event was first announced was make a few telephone calls, send a couple of e mails, sign one piece of paper, and collect the money...here are the people who have done the real work:
Doobie Dan - Arranged with the Hyatt West Hollywood for the Fan Club block room purchase and the Ballroom where the convention will be held. Arranged with the HOB for the fan club pre-sale & fan club access to the floor before the general public. Has collected all sorts of memorabilia that will be for sale at the convention and will have his personal collection on display for all to see...
JR - Once again has done a phenomenal job with the booklets and did a great job on the registration website.
Richard Verson - Designed the name tags and is printing the booklet.
Mark Lichtenberger - called all around LA looking for outside activities for fans. Also is renting vans for us to use...
Lori & Rick Seaman - Putting on the stunt driving school on Thursday
Shad - arranged for Blake Clarke to perform at the Thursday night dinner and for Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini to attend.
Laurin - essentially I've been taking up space waiting to die...
I've spoken with Chris and know what he was trying to say with his note last week. We're cool with each other. He's correct in stating that it will require the efforts of everyone to keep us moving forward, and yes, it will be US, I'm not disappearing, I'm just moving into the general population.
Please don't assume that the "burnout" is solely attributable to the Fan Club...it IS NOT! I have been burning the candle at both ends the past several years and something has to give in order to maintain mental health. This has been my life for the past several months:
DBFC
Los Angeles 2001
Blood Drive
Moderator of the Board of Deacons of my Church
Kitchen Guild Chair
Funeral Guild Chair
Secretary Christian Education Committee
Blood Drive Coordinator
Officer Nominating Committee
Board Member - Richmond Emergency Housing Authority
"John" in Jesus Christ Superstar
CARITAS (Homeless boarded at our church)
Monday night cook
Wednesday night shower coordinator
Set up a professional photography studio for Susie in our garage and back yard
and I'm working to take control of my business life as well....
It's just time to chill out and get to know my wife and child again. That's all...
WE'RE gonna have a great time! I'm excited!
Laurin
