United for DC Luncheon

[Red&Black]

I have recently returned from the Second Annual United for DC First XI Lunch held this year in Rosslyn. Catherine, Heather and Elly did an awesome job setting up the lunch and put together a first-class event. The view from the Top of the Town was fabulous and the entire event was great. Kevin gave more info on the stadium and he hopes to be able to make some public announcements shortly. There were numerous mock ups of the stadium around. It will be a combo stadium/performance ampetheater.

with the exception of convey the whole team was there. we were graced at our table by Ben Olsen and Tino--poor Tino was sick and hung in there like a trouper. I know the ladies on our staff enjoyed sitting with him. Ben as always was a class gentleman. He was very hyped about the team and training.

united for dc has new version of their website up as well, many of the changes are on the backend, allowing them to more easily add and update content and photos. there are some new design elements as well. they are still at www.unitedfordc.org

i am sure there will be photos shortly...

great to see several BS types there as well--K, Grillmaster, BroonAleMagpie, our Rev was also there following his recent travels.

[monster]

Thanks for the update. Damn I wish I could have made it.

[K]

The Screaming Eagle table had Coach Nowak and Dave Kasper. We gave the coach an SE scarf (and I got a nice hug!) I told him to replace those Barn Burner ones he has! I also won Dougie's gloves in the silent auction (thanks for thinking of me Catherine!, I've got them all but Causey's now). Channels 4 & 7 as well as Comcast (who had a table) were there so there might be some video tonight on the news. Nice to see the guys in suits.

I also guess the Jaime thing is a done deal as he was introduced as 29 (although Peter commented it might be 99, that would be cool). The stadium drawings look like HDC (with our logo on the front). They weren't too detailed. I guess the team is taking comments on what people would like, I'll try to find out more about that and see how people can contribute to the discussion.

K

[Red&Black]

Nice to see the guys in suits.


you mean me, tom and jan?
:D

[K]

you mean me, tom and jan?
:D

But of course, dahling!

K

[John_Harkes_6]

On the way out I rode down with SZ. He was mentioning something about the head of the DSEC or whatever it is called will be welcoming fans before the game. He said the level of cooperation between the two groups has never been better.

He seemed to be real upbeat about a new stadium. I asked him if they have looked for large plots of land near Baltimore but much to my chagrin he said no ;)

[sch2383]

The stadium drawings look like HDC (with our logo on the front). They weren't too detailed. I guess the team is taking comments on what people would like, I'll try to find out more about that and see how people can contribute to the discussion.

Anybody surprised by that? I think the only thing that we all want are stands that will bounce, if only in a supporters area behind a goal.

[K]

Anybody surprised by that? I think the only thing that we all want are stands that will bounce, if only in a supporters area behind a goal.


Bouncing yes but I don't think most Nest dwellers want behind the goal (as we've been set up on the sidelines for quite some time).

K

[Dave Brother]

Thanks for the report. Sounds like it was a cool time.

[United]

In addition to it being a fun event, and even pertty good food, the luncheon raised money some great programs.

DC SCORES, which was well-represented at the lunch (three board members, three members of their staff), continues to benefit from the hard work and commitment of Catherine, Stephen, Ben, and all the other members of the DC United and Untied for DC team. They all deserve our thanks for their efforts on behalf of the children of District of Columbia.

[roadkit]

A little late posting this. Thanks to Catherine, I was able to attend. A last minute meeting cancellation opended up the day for me and she put me on the waiting list - I was there about 12 hrs. before she called back and said she had a slot for me. A real class act and a fine lady.

I was fortunate enough to sit next to Jaime. The rubber chicken was good and it was great to chat with the team. I had a good time comparing notes with Josh Gros about Marine Corps OCS. I'm dating myself, but I went through (literally) the month he was born. He's a stud (maxed the Marine Corps physical fitness test - could probably have scored higher if they gave extra credit) and I heard Ernie comment that he will probably start - apparently the guy is about as fit as you can be. As Earnie said, he could probably run "for days."

Very interesting to hear about the SSS plans - think big horseshoe with a stage at one end. It's clear that using this place as the "premier outdoor concert venue" in DC is a big part of the plan. I actually think it is a wise move, and one that will get us in a new facility sooner than later. Anyone who lives here and has suffered through a trip to Nissan would agree that another outdoor concert site (especially if it's "Metro accessible") would be welcome. Obviously I'm here for the soccer, but that's an angle I wasn't aware of before.

BTW, I would recommend taking part in this event next year. Not only is it a great casue, it's a good chance to meet the team, get some photos and show some appreciation.

One last thing, Coach Nowak made the comment that the team needs support both on and off the field. I assume that means on these boards as well. ;)

[BroonAleMagpie]

It was a good deal of fun, with lots of silliness. KP said he'd let Nowak talk about the team, but that he wanted to talk about some of the young guys, then did this long drawn-out intro about the great young player who's going to be getting lots of exposure, people are waiting to see what he can do, etc. and finished, "...of course you know I'm talking about Brian Carroll." :-)

Later on, Nowak got called up to the podium and started reading a prepared speech about how much he was looking forward to working with DCU's charitable activities and how he was sure they were so much better than the ones in Chicago... he stopped, looked at the speeach, and said, "Hey, who wrote this stuff?" put it down and started talking about the team. :-)

After the luncheon was over and most of the guests were gone, some of the players were joking around, telling Nowak that they wrote his speech for him, joshing him about how he isn't wild about public speaking (nothing like as bad as Dema, though!) Nowak got back to the mike and announced that Freddy would say a few words, so more pushing and silliness ensued and Freddy got up and said, "Yes, well I've got some stuff I've got to tell you about Coach Nowak... (pause, glance at Peter) ... that I'm not going to tell you because he'll fine me."

The silent auction was cool. I think Alecko's dad ended up getting the USMNT autographed jersey. I picked up a Blackburn Rovers jersey auto'd by Dwight Yorke and some Chicago Fire stuff, including a Nowak t-shirt that I got the coach to sign for me. :-)

All the guys looked well. I told Nicky we were glad he was back from injury and that I'm looking forward to seeing him back between the pipes.

[Th4119]

On the way out I rode down with SZ. He was mentioning something about the head of the DSEC or whatever it is called will be welcoming fans before the game. He said the level of cooperation between the two groups has never been better.

He seemed to be real upbeat about a new stadium. I asked him if they have looked for large plots of land near Baltimore but much to my chagrin he said no ;)

I hope you aren't surprised by any of this. Goldwater was the one holding DC back in my opinion.

[Chummer]

Yes, the event was awesome. Everyone should try to attend next year, as well as support the golf outing. Catherine did a fantastic job. Thanks Catherine.. Go United!!