Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser

Our mustang car club, New York Mustangs, hosted a Wounded Warrior Fundraiser. I offered to decorate the pavilion that was being used for the main BBQ. In support of our troops and American muscle cars, we went with a red, white, and blue theme. So here is what I prepared:

My newest, favorite decor item is the Pop-up trash cans. I purchased two from Party City inexpensively. They make a great place for people to throw their trash, and yet add to the flair of the day. While on vacation I collected items to make the prep work easier. Mini flags, large flags, ribbons, streamers, etc.

Since we would be dinning outside, I didn't want our paper goods to blow away. So I took a picnic basket and put all the American flag themed cups, plates, and napkins inside.

At a local Christmas Tree Store, I found a wall poster with the statue of liberty on it. Exactly what a New York car club needs for decor. I poked holes in the four corners and used ribbon to tie the vinyl poster to the tables. Similarly, I found two large American flags with grommets in the top corners. I used ribbon to tie these to the tables as well. (Making sure not to let the flags touch the ground).

Along the outside of the pavilion, we placed American flags in the rafters. And strung red, white, and blue star twine between the beams. The finishing touch was the most work. I bought a balloon hand-pump. Used it in the beginning and then gave up. Guess I am full of hot air, for I was faster lol ;) But we found some great balloon tape that helps you separate balloons in a line. We doubled over the strip and hung from the rafters. I think this really added to the visual as you approached the pavilion from the parking lot below.

I had promised to bring dessert. So I made marshmallow pops. My new favorite dessert. Sorry I forgot to photograph them. But I made some red and some blue ones. I was lucky and found JUMBO and I mean J-U-M-B-O marshmallows to use. What a festive addition they made! Each was individually wrapped and they were all placed inside a white plastic planter for added height. Simple, yet elegant.

Also, I bought large bags of Twizzlers and wrapped them with an image I found on the web in support of The Wounded Warrior Project.

All in all, I think the decorations added to the fun. May the fundraiser have been a success so that we can help our Wounded Soldiers help each other.

Great Work Ahead

J.Shields - Great Work Ahead

Today was the first real day back to school. As a thank you to staff for their patience while we get everything connected, I brought in some treats. Just a way to encourage colleagues to come visit to reset passwords, ask questions, and discuss future possible projects. During my summer vacation, I found some great construction themed items. Mixing those with some creativity, I think I created a nice atmosphere for beginning the school year. Many teachers thanked me for my generosity and creativity. Their kind words were appreciated.



Below are some pictures showing our fun. For breakfast I served: bricks (breakfast bars), tires (donettes), wrecking balls (clementines), nuts and bolts (trail mix) and coffee.

J.Shields - Bricks

J.Shields - Wrecking Balls

For lunch, I offered traditional construction sandwich lunches (peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables), pizza,  bottles of water, beams (sugar-free chocolate wafers) and more.

J.Shields - Traditional Construction Worker Lunch

Special thanks needs to go out to http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/2010/05/10/real-parties-under-construction/. After seeing their photo online, I had Clementines to offer. I try to include healthy snack items too. But I was struggling for ideas besides snack mix. Luckily I found this blog online with their wonderful party buffet and the "Wrecking Balls".  Thank you for the inspiration.