I have never
attended a volunteer appreciation dinner. While this may seem like a “gimme” “I
have never...” event at first glance, the fact that I have been unable to
attend any volunteer appreciation event, including those in my “I have
never...” year, after volunteering made me think it was time to gain the
experience for the first time. After all, the idea of taking time to relax and have some fun with my
fellow volunteers were definitely things that appealed to me, and yesterday’s
volunteer experience at Ironman gave me more than enough reasons celebrate our
contributions. As a result, Rachael and I decided we would set aside time this
evening to attend the Ironman Volunteer Appreciation event at the Monona
Terrace this evening to help me gain my first experience with a volunteer
appreciation event.
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| The banquet hall |
After
wrapping up my workday I immediately drove home and picked up Rachael for the
event. Together, we made our way down to the Monona Terrace and found our way
into the Ironman Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The event was easy to find
considering the over 4,000 volunteers that helped make the Ironman event
possible. While not all of the volunteers were in attendance for the event, the
banquet hall was bustling with the activity of hundreds of people as we entered
the space. In response to the sight before us, Rachael and I paused for a brief
moment just beyond the banquet halls doors to take in our surroundings. A video
screen and stage sat before dozens of large round tables scattered across the
beautiful room serving as the backdrop for the event. Throughout the room our
fellow volunteers filled the room, with those in the crowd enjoying a meal,
enjoying one another’s company, and relaxing with some drinks. From the moment
walking into the room the energy and high spirits of the crowd were apparent. A
smile crossed my face as a single thought popped into my head, “We’re among
good people...”
Rachael and
I were quick to track down some food after we set our feet back into motion
across the remaining portion of the banquet hall. At the far end of the room,
two tables containing a spread of Mexican cuisine sat waiting for us.
Fortunately, we arrived after the first big rush of volunteers looking to put
together a meal, which made our effort to put together a plate easy and
convenient. With our food in hand, Rachael and I crossed toward the middle of
the hall in search of some empty chairs at one of the many tables in the hall.
At first the task appeared rather daunting. The volunteers in attendance had
all but occupied every chair at every table, which sent Rachael and I toward
the back of the room in our continued search. Luckily, we happened upon two of
our friends, Patrick and Keith, who happened to be saving two empty seats at
their table. While we were completely unaware they had volunteered for the
Ironman event, the coincidence of their presence and the random act of saving
two empty seats worked out perfectly. Equally surprised to see us, Patrick and
Keith were quick to offer the empty seats at their table to us, which Rachael
and I happily accepted.
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| The first place finishers! |
As Rachael
and I nibbled away at our meals we caught up with Patrick and Keith, talked a
bit about the Ironman event, and listened to the male and female first place
finishers (a husband and wife!) give a brief speech from the stage at the front
of the room. Their comments on the race and sincere thanks were met with cheers
and applause from the audience of volunteers, who obviously experienced the
same feelings of respect and inspiration I felt in response to their words.
With the speeches complete, a local radio disc jockey took the stage and
introduced some members of the Ironman event team, who also offered their
sincere thanks and provide some background information that demonstrated the
2013 Ironman race was one of the most successful events to date. Their words
evoked the same sense of pride in me that had surfaced during my volunteer
effort yesterday. Although I was only one person in a massive machine of
planning, volunteers, and participants, their words made me feel I was an
important part of the event. Their message was personal and authentic, and it
made me happy I had been a part of the event. Eventually, their speeches
concluded with a brief awards ceremony for the best volunteer team leaders and
aid stations during the Ironman race. Among the winners was the aid station
Rachael and I had volunteered at yesterday, aid station number four, which won
the award for the cleanest aid station in the race (not to brag or anything).
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| The video recap |
Following
the speeches and award ceremonies, a door prize raffle commenced. Dozens of
attendees won prizes from local businesses and from the Ironman organization,
which served as one more obvious “thank you” from the Ironman man team to all
of the volunteers that assisted with the triathlon. In addition, a video of the
2013 Ironman race was played on the massive screen at the front of the room
shortly after prizes were handed out, which put the uniform efforts of the
entire volunteer team in perspective and made me realize the scope of the event
Rachael and I had helped make possible. It was a moving moment that reflected
on some amazing people and athletes that contributed to the 12th
annual Ironman Madison event. At the end of the presentation I sat in awe of
the story to which Rachael and I contributed. The only thing I could think was
that our efforts paled in comparison to the drive, commitment, and resolve
demonstrated by the Ironman planners, organizers, and participants. They are
people everyone should look up to and aspire to be like... Period.
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| My lovely lady and I working the photobooth |
This isn't only a good place. It is also one of the best around here. There isn't a listing of the unique offerings, although there should be! This place was magnificent!
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