Organizing A Chairity Event Requires Many Talents....

As the co-director for this event, 2 years running, I thought that developing and organizing this event would get easier over time.  Indeed, with most tasks in life, we find that 'practice makes perfect'.  Essentially, we become experts with repetition.

However, with a project with so many 'moving parts' and individuals working at times in tandem and at other times independently, one wonders if you can ever develop a higher level of expertise.  I don't mean to imply that a project with many features cannot produce an professional or expert outcome.  Rather, managing such a project with so many complexities is fraught many new challenges, twists and turns.  Indeed, one finds him or herself constantly reading the tea leaves of the project trying to come up with solutions that will net the best end result.

This year, Cruizin' for CF has many similar activities as in the past, but in no way does it translate into an easier job!  Proposals still need to be submitted and reviewed, the needs of sponsors must be effectively supported, volunteer staff need direction and recognition, press releases and other promotional opportunities must be exploited and there is always a continuous push to attract new participants.  It almost seems that the more one knows in a project like this, the harder and smarter one needs to work!  What I do know is that if one manages to stay current with all activities, if one can practice effective time management, if one maintains an open mind for human resource management and ultimately if one can stay calm, a successful outcome is highly likely.

For my part, I have learned after many years of business management and two years in the business of charity sphere, there are many areas that overlap.  Many truths in business also directly apply to organizing charity events.  However, there are differences and it is the mix of the two that requires a special breed of individuals - people who have a shared vision with a lowered competitive spirit - to elevate a charity event, such as Cruizin' for CF from successful to an extraordinary experience for everyone involved.

In recent days, I have seen the culmination of so much hard work and dedication from many different individuals translating into something that is greater than its individual parts.  I believe that Cruizin' for CF 2010 will be one a great example of an extraordinary experience.  Then again, I may not have the most objective perspective on the matter!  Time will tell... and soon!  Objectively skewed or not, knowing the level of individual talent in the organizing committee, their commitment, focus and selfless dedication to a greater cause I am convinced we have the right stuff and I, for one, can't wait for June 20!

Cruizin' for Cystic Fibrosis Enters A New Era!!

 Finally, in our 5th year, Cruizin' for CF rolls out it's first blog!  Now everyone can stay up to date with the latest developments of the event.  Check back often or subscribe and you'll find out what to expect at the event, some interesting outreach events designed to promote the day and maybe a few interesting insights into the behind the scenes planning of this huge event too!

Our focus here will be about Cruizin' for Cystic Fibrosis - the event.  We will however, from time to time, post interesting facts about the disease itself.  We want this blog to be interactive and relevant, so we encourage all comments and suggestions to make this site the best it can be!  POST YOUR COMMENTS!!!