Interesting event. Like that they are trying different things...will be interested to see how many people pay $1,000 to attend.
https://alumni.valpo.edu/controls/email_marketing/view_in_browser.aspx?sid=1347&gid=1&sendId=4626209&ecatid=4&puid=3b768bd3-7922-40d6-a1c0-d47255d81406
I like the concept , but does this exude Valpo ? I'd be surprised if more than a handful sign up , but I have no idea !
I can get several bottles of GREAT bourbon and a couple dozen good cigars for $1,000.
But seriously, they're throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks, and I have no issue with that. Still, can't help think a $100 ticket and maybe a silent auction and/or soliciting more donations AT the event would be a better idea.
I think this event will sell out fast. Just my opinion.
I showed this promotion to my wife thinking she would consider it elitist at $1000 per person, but she remarked she'd be surprised if it's not regarded as sexist by some for its concentration on bourbon and cigars, stereotypically associated with exclusively male gatherings.
Quote from: valpopal on August 27, 2023, 09:22:43 AM
I showed this promotion to my wife thinking she would consider it elitist at $1000 per person, but she remarked she'd be surprised if it's not regarded as sexist by some for its concentration on bourbon and cigars, stereotypically associated with exclusively male gatherings.
Always something to complain about as if there is something wrong with an all male gathering or at least one only attractive to males.
Google Bourbon and Cigar events and festivals. They are all over. Some include wine or food or coffee.
Quote from: vu72 on August 27, 2023, 11:45:50 AM
Quote from: valpopal on August 27, 2023, 09:22:43 AM
I showed this promotion to my wife thinking she would consider it elitist at $1000 per person, but she remarked she'd be surprised if it's not regarded as sexist by some for its concentration on bourbon and cigars, stereotypically associated with exclusively male gatherings.
Always something to complain about as if there is something wrong with an all male gathering or at least one only attractive to males.
She wasn't complaining and has no personal objection, but she was just pointing out an obvious observation: the event—"with an all male gathering or at least one only attractive to males," as you describe it—is, by definition, sexist. I do not think there is something "wrong with an all male gathering or at least one only attractive to males" either, or else I would not be on this forum. ;)
Just a guess, but this could be a precursor to a larger Smoker event down the road. A few years back, I served on a Smoker planning committee for a prominent charitable organization. We held it at an area casino. It was so popular that it became an annual event. As I recall we raised close to $180k over the next 3 years. Presumably, it's still going. It was a lot of work, but even more fun.
The only opposition we had was from was another NP with a smoking cessation program. We fully respected their position but simply disagreed that a 1-night cigar smoker could entice people, directly or indirectly, to develop a smoking habit, any more than a wine tasting event might lead to alcoholism. We respectfully told them that if anyone had a better idea for raising that kind of money we would certainly consider it. That was the end of that.
Lastly, President Padilla's cigar and bourbon event is as much a friend raiser as it is fundraiser. People willing to shell out $1000 for a meet and greet are people you want to embrace.
The two friends I have that are the biggest cigar smokers I know are both women.
If Paul Oren goes that would be a Trifecta.
For what its worth, Valpo athletics was involved in many annual "Smokers" in the Fort Wayne area for many years. I would think that other markets also held Smokers.
Quote from: tiny707 on August 27, 2023, 07:54:24 PM
If Paul Oren goes that would be a Trifecta.
It won't cost you $1,000 to find me on Homecoming weekend.
Ok, if Adam Amin goes that would be a trifecta....
Wait, so I know Valpo isn't a dry campus, but wasn't there something about being a tobacco-free campus as well?
Quote from: KreitzerSTL on August 30, 2023, 08:20:29 PM
Wait, so I know Valpo isn't a dry campus, but wasn't there something about being a tobacco-free campus as well?
That's why the event is being held at President Padilla's home...the university might not own his property, therefore he can host an event there at his will.
Very curious what the turnout is for this and how it goes..Homecoming weekend.
Heard from a few people and seen pics/videos there were about 20-30 people in attendance as well as Padilla (and his family), Powell, Small, the university provost, mayor, head of local business club (I believe). Was a really nice higher end event food, cocktails, cigars. Padilla and Powell both gave quick speeches about their vision for the school and the program. There were also renderings of possible future college of nursing building, basketball/ athletic facility (victory village) and some football upgrades (may have been others but idk). People said it was an excellent event.
What football upgrades?
Glad the event went well. Hope I can make it next year.
I was at homecoming and visited with a person who was in attendance at the cigar event. He said that net of friends and family from administration members, the paying folks totaled 19.
As for the football/basketball/nursing school upgrades/changes--there is a BUNCH of stuff to disclose.
So the first thing is that several people, including the VP of advancement, confirmed that a new fund raising campaign will be underway in the not too distant future. Most likely, it will include funds needed for both the new nursing school as well as the new basketball arena.
The biggest news is that the arena is now going to be built not on the hospital site but north of Brown Field, behind what is now the visitor bleachers.
The visitor side will become the home side and the new arena will include suite/club seating which will be positioned to allow viewing of both football and basketball games.
The hospital site will then be used to add additional fields including an air bubble covered field for winter practice for sports like baseball.
It's a lot, But very exciting! The weekend was really fantastic ex the last play loss for the football team. Two wins for volleyball, two wins for tennis and great weather!!