It was the last day of the Fall State Leadership Conference and Massachusetts SkillsUSA had just set a goal to donate to the state’s newest partner, The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.  While schools sat down to discuss there goal and how they were going to fundraise for it, the Alumni & Friends Association’s Executive Board also sat down and discussed a dollar amount and fundraising ideas.  We had set a goal for $400 when Rob Deluca our Alumni Advisor said “How about this……$1,000”.  We all looked at each other and knew that the only reason he had said this was to challenge us.  We accepted the challenge of raising $1,000 with the deadline being April 1, 2007.  Later on that day, at our “wrap up” meeting, we came up with an idea to challenge another group of MA SkillsUSA. The group we chose was the State Officers.  The challenge was offered, details were explained, they accepted and this friendly competition was on its way.  We were going to see which two executive boards (Alumni or State) would raise and turn the most money for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation before April 1^st. The losers would have to serve pizza to the winners as symbol of defeat.  Let the games begin. 

Fundraising started, working hard and earning money for this cause.  We both were moving forward and were very successful in contacting various sources for help.  Letters were sent, phone calls were made and we were neck in neck for a longtime. We had our share of setbacks but being SkillsUSA members we never gave up and kept working towards our goal. As the deadline approached we grew anxious.  The deadline finally arrived and the results were in.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t find out who won this little competition until the following week Saturday April 7, 2007.  We both were holding meetings a Tri-County so it was only fitting that this happened this way. 

Saturday arrived and the remaining donations were collected and our meetings commenced.   Rob then turns to me and says “go get the officers, let’s do this now.”   When the officers came up the results were read. The Alumni raised $1320 (with more coming in daily) while the State Officers raised $938.  But then the shocker, as of April 1, 2007 (the deadline) the Alumni turned in $530 and the State Officers $938.  The Officers had won.  The details to this competition were clear “You must raise and turn in your donations by April 1, 2007.”  Even though we had the larger amount at the end, we only turned in $530 at the deadline.  So YES, WE LOST TO THE STATE OFFICERS!!! And the pizza was served.  All and all, it was fun, and for a good cuase.

Hats off to the State Officers for a good job and for being great sports through all of this.  We are always here for anything you guys might need.  Thanks Guys!!!

Respectfully Yours,

Kevin Lopez

Chairman

MA SkillsUSA

Alumni & Friends Association