10 things about Thursday

Yesterday was the first annual memorial golf tournament for the wife of my CEO, who passed away last summer after battling cancer. Seventy-two people from all over the country gathered to golf and raise money for the scholarship fund created in her memory. I had the privilege and very BIG task of coordinating this tournament with a wonderful team of people - and here are some recap items about the wonderful event:

• Thunderstorms all night the night before a major golf outing are not welcome. They create mosquito swarms, muddy paths and (if possible) more humidity.
• Even if everyone arrives on time, things don't start on time.
• At a memorial event, everyone is kind, generous and appreciative. It is the best crowd in the world to be around.
• No matter how much you practice your speech, when emotion overtakes you, there's nothing that you can do about it.
• No one plays a great game of golf when the heat index is 112.
• No one drinks beer or pop when the heat index is 112. Note to self - next year, be sure there is more water and gatorade on hand.
• Meeting people in person after months of e-mail and phone call conversations is very rewarding! And most people don't look at all like you picture them.
• The generosity of people can leave you almost speechless - over $25,000 was raised during this one event for her memorial fund.
• Taste-test the food when you design the menu, because you won't get to eat the wonderful choices you selected at the event itself.
• Seeing everything go well, people happy and enjoying themselves is the best pay off for hard work - not money or recognition.

It was a day that will be remembered forever, especially by my boss. That all of these people came out to show their love and support left all of us teary eyed and heart-struck. For the first attempt, we have much to be proud of. It was an honor and a privilege to know Lisa and to plan this event in her memory. May all those who benefit from the money raised appreciate and understand how truly remarkable she was.