At the alarm of 5AM a handful of us were up and ready to head out to Frame Park in Waukesha. What in the world were we thinking? What can possibly motivate us to get up that early to go to Frame Park by 6AM? Were we dragged out of bed? NO... We went there to set up for our second annual Vibha Dream Mile 5K run/3K walk event.
Earlier, the previous evening a lot of us were at Frame Park envisioning how things were going to play out and briefing and explaining the days event. It wasn't just the day previous we were trailing along Frame Park, but we've been there many times just going over things to make sure it was perfect. Months of planning and marketing had gone into play. A lot of dedicated team work and dedicated volunteers has put numerous hours into this. Tons of flyering, emailing, drafting, printing and postings were done. We were literally walking and talking Vibha for at least 2 months on Dream Mile. :) It was all worth it.
But here it was... the date couldn't come any sooner than this.
6AM Sharp - Volunteer cars roll in at Frame Park. Everyone unpacking and helping in setting up. Great team work how everyone pitched in setting up banners, registration areas, food preparations, blowing up balloons, setting up of picnic tables. Set up of book and school supply drive.
7AM - The first of the participants start to roll in for preregistration and packet info. Registrations area starts to pick up rather quickly. On the day of the event alone, there were almost 50 registration sign ups, with a total of 126 participants. For our second year, and in a different location than last year, this number was really good. It was incredible how the numbers picked up so quickly. In the background awesome DJ music starts playing. Volunteers start to greet participants, their family, and friends. It was great to see familiar faces of long time Vibha Milwaukee supporters and to meet great new and smiling faces.
8:30AM - line up and start up of event.
10AM - award ceremony.
To end it and top it all off... OF COURSE - ICY COLD WATER AND ICE ON THE ACC - LEENA GHOSH!!! WE NEVER FAIL!!!
We didn't for get about you Ashish Rastogi!!! Your group is hard at work here to make a difference in childrens lives and to inspire others here in Milwaukee because of your dedicated efforts of leading the path for us.
Thanks to all the volunteers whose been so dedicated in putting this all together in such a short time frame. Sushmita as lead for the event. Leena and Mukta for endless planning and coordinating and for the rest of the team... KUDOS!!! This event wouldn't have been possible with out every ones hard work and in the event day coordination of everyone who came to help make it all possible. Last but not least to our supporters... the participants. Thank you so much for coming out and supporting our cause.
Plan on joining us next year if you missed out this year.
A highlight, Scott Stoll - "The Man Who Biked The World", lead the participants on his bike at our event this year. A little about Scott, he biked in 50 countries,6 continents over 4 years!!!! http://www.theargonauts.com/ for more details and to purchase his book on his adventures around the globe.
DJ music was played by Phillip Maenpaa of Musical Revolutions and DJ services. - he really set the mood for the volunteers and participants. A true people person and great personality, he blended in with us on the day. http://www.musical-revolution.com
Bagels were donated by Einstein Bagels.
Outpost Groceries donated $50.
Waukesha Fire Department and Ambulance provided free standby service.
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NOTES FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS N TEAM MEMBERS:
Hi Everyone!
A Big Thank You to all of you for making the Dream Mile a success!
Everyone did such a fantastic job to make sure that the morning was fun and everything right from putting up banners, setting up the picnic area and finish line, registrations, food, timing to the face painting, water stations and cheering the runners/walkers was so well organized!
Lets meet up soon to celebrate the success of Dream Mile!
Three Cheers for Vibha Milwaukee!!
Mukta
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NOTES FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPORTERS:
"It was a good time. And what great people! I'm in next year too of course!" Pablo Baez (ran last years Dream Mile also)
"Had a ton of fun really, due to the great efforts of the Vibha volunteers. Another great job everyone. My Grandchildren and I had a great time." - Al Larson
"It was such an honor to lead the race. What a great event. I met so many wonderful people, and am honored to have an honorary first place medal." - Scott Stoll
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