Toy Run Ideas
 

Well gang, we're rapidly approaching that time of year.

For those of you who don't know, Sutter Memorial Hospital (where we used to go) is no longer. Patients and services have been transferred over to Sutter Medical Center (Sutter General has been essentially expanded to create a much larger complex). Unfortunately, the new location is quite a bit more urban, and there really doesn't seem to be a place close to the hospital that could accommodate 20 something cars.

This was a concern of mine, so I took a recon trip yesterday. Sure enough, I seriously doubt that we can park near the entrance unless we get the fire marshal to allow us to park in a fire lane (very doubtful), AND the Sutter admin to allow us to park in the Valet area (slightly less doubtful).

That said, I can place a call to my contact at Sutter and see what they think. In the mean time, I think we need to consider alternatives. Perhaps the easiest would be to throw in with a group that already has something set up. I see that the Euro Sunday group has an event going on at the Shriner's hospital, food donations and everything (not that any of you need an excuse to eat). I'm sure they'd welcome our attendance. And, we could always meet for breakfast like we've done in the past.

Another option would be to go somewhere completely different. The woman's and children's receiving home has been mentioned in the past. We could consider UC Davis. or? I'm open to anything, but we'll have to act fast if I'm going to set up something de novo.

Ron

http://www.eurosunday.net/rally4kids-home.html

Here's a link to the EuroSunday event. Dec 6.

Ron

Too bad about Sutter, but I completely understand. Several years ago we went to a women's and children shelter and it was a complete fiasco. One that I wouldn't repeat.

I'm fine piggy-backing on the EuroSunday event if they are. Looks like it is already organized, which takes a load off.

The eurosunday Rally4Kids is a great event with hospital tours, raffles and great food.

I believe that EuroSunday/Rally4Kids would like us to register as a club.

Before I do that, I'd like to hear from a few more potential attendees. I think it sounds like a neat event, and would like to give it a try, but before I commit the group, I want to make sure most of us really want to go.

And, do y'all want to meet first for breakfast? That will influence what time we intend to arrive at Shriners.

So, please chime in with a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down".

Ron

I'm in. Breakfast at Perko's is traditional. Let's keep it up. Thanks Ron, you're the man.

Murray and Jennifer are in for the "tradition"

Did you talk to anyone about parking in the breezeway, between the building, at the new Sutter? I went there for the opening tour and thought it would be an ideal place for us to park and deliver toys to the front entrance. If you didn't talk to anyone, I could make inquiries for us. I would hate to see a great tradition go away, and we all know the staff and kids appreciate our visit.

Connie and I are in. Whatever event is decided upon. Let us know how we can help. Thanks Ron.

Lisa and I are in for whatever works.

Ron, anything I can do to help?

Patrick

I haven't spoken to anyone, if you know who or would like to give me your contact number, that'd be great.

Are you speaking of the area between the buildings right in front of the entrance? If so, they're now using that for patient drop off and valet services. Most of it has a red curb and is designated as a fire lane.

I agree, it would be perfect if we could park there.

Ron

Ron- working on it, will advise ASAP. See you tomorrow?? Steve

Steve, Won't be there tomorrow. The kids have there last soccer game of the season, so I'm stuck.

Let me know what you find out about Sutter.

Thanks, Ron

Good idea
 

Ron, Steve, all...
It's a a good idea to tag along with the ES crew for the toy run. Since we got the Lister going again Kev and I have been doing the ES events again lately this year and I know the group would appreciate it. If you have not made a good contact yet let me know and I'll put you in contact with the regular organizer. Thx.

Contacted a lady at Sutter, she will get back to me, will keep you advised.

If you decide to go to Shriners the VW group is arriving at 9am with 100 cars, so either go just before or way after. Parking will be in the covered garage with security on site to keep an eye on them.

Thanks for asking, Ron.

I'm fine with the Shriner's event.

I do have to say this will be a much different experience than in previous years.

Granted, I've only been to two of the Sutter runs and one to the Shriner's event but from my experience, the Shriner's event is quite large with a lot of cars and people. I wouldn't be surprised if there were 250-300 cars and 400-500+ people.

Sutter said they would get back to me, I think probably Monday. It seems they are making too big of a deal out of this thing. If you guys want, I can tell them to forget it, we made other arrangements. Give me some feed back, please

Sounds like the EU event could turn out to be a train wreck with that many cars. What about UCD Med Center?

Your assumptions are probably correct, especially when policies and regulations get in the way with the new facility and all. And, finding a decision maker can get to be interesting. One year involved a release form, kinda takes away the focus of it all. Something near a parking lot would be better than trying to fight with traffic and access points anyhow. We just need to get gifts to those who need it.