Good afternoon all. In light of some recent posts on this page, and other facebook pages, I’d like to offer my two cents in hopes of bringing a bit more clarity to it all, as well as a hope that we can collectively move forward and work through this. Personally, I have grown to love the Flood Run just like many of you. I really enjoy my new friendships, acquaintances, and everything everyone does to ultimately support the Kids at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. The decision regarding the Rodeo was made with one thing in mind – keeping the Flood Run brand on the high road, as best we can. That’s it. And I am willing to take full responsibility, as it was my recommendation to remove the Flood Run’s ‘endorsement’ from the Rodeo. As I have conveyed to many over the past two days – when you have an event that grows to the size and scope that the Flood Run has, it becomes what I refer to as a living, breathing brand. It’s no longer a Mom & Pop operation. And with growth come added responsibilities over and above simply making sure the Run happens twice a year. It takes a great deal of time and effort to insure it all comes together. That’s no secret. Everyone who’s directly involved in any way needs to understand that with being directly involved, come added responsibilities on a number of levels – including content they might post on this page and others. Yes – it’s everyone’s right to speak freely. No doubt. But when comments and opinions become personally negative, or fueled on innuendo – we end up with drama. When that happens, the first level of containment is to address the situation and initiate a process to minimize it. If that doesn’t work, the next step is to protect the brand – in this case the Flood Run brand, and remove it from the situation. With that, I recommended that it was necessary to do this with the Rodeo affiliation. The Rodeo is still scheduled to happen on Sunday at BDDR. John has worked hard to put that event together. By no means would myself or anyone ever say – boycott that event. No way. Also, there is no way that we stepped back from the Rodeo because other sponsor donations might be larger. One of the basic components of good fundraising is to understand that every penny is equally important. John Grabrick has been in contact with me, and although it was not news he wanted to receive, I believe he understands why we had to step back. John said he’s committed to moving forward, and will still donate his proceeds to the Kids – directly from BDDR. Good on him for that decision. It’s all about the Kids. As we move forward, I urge you all to consider this – let’s regain the charitable focus on the Kids. That’s why this Run exists today, and it’s what I am dedicated to helping us all do, as we get through next Saturday and move on to planning the 50th Anniversary Flood Run. Thanks for your time. I hope to see you next Saturday. PH
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:58:29 +0000
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