We Need a HOME Arena

[TBird41]

BuffaloHoya said:

The admin would have to set a list of priorities for projects to be completed. While I would LOVE a McD renovation to be #1 on that list, looking at the broader picture I think #1 would be finishing the boathouse and MSF, #2 would be building the b-school and science building simultaneously (a la SW Quad), and #3 would be the McD renovation.

The first thing we need to do is get the administration to put a new arena/convocation center on their to-do list. It's not their right now, but if they came out and said, "Hey, we'll build a new arena/convocation center after we're done with our current projects", that would be the first step (and would help fundraising, I think)

And as for vagrant's idea to help neighbor relations--none of them would want to join Yates. It's not a very good workout club at all. Odds are that they're already members of much nicer places. But ideas like that are what we need more of.

[jerseyhoya34]

DFW said:

The Hoop Club mailing list is well represented outside the District and they've solicited gifts from outside DC for years. (One of the co-founders of the Hoop Club is from Georgia.)

My qualm has more to do with their ability to find NEW donors outside the DC area. Fine, they may be well represented outside DC when you factor in people who have sought out the HHC and have initiated contact, but how much is the HHC doing to identify new folks outside DC who may be interested in giving? You bring up an example of someone who founded the club, which is a good example, but again, these are people who are probably predisposed toward giving and willing to seek out ways to chip in to the program. I don't know what your involvement is in terms of giving, and it is none of my business, but you would also fit into this category as someone outside DC who pays attention to the program and would be predisposed toward finding a way to contribute in spite of limited communications. Dan is another example of someone who probably knew about the HHC and initiated contact, although I'd be interested in his verification if that is the case.

My understanding is that their hands are tied in terms of finding new donors outside DC, and I see that as a problem. If we took a poll of all alumni to find out whether they knew about the HHC, I think the results would suggest the validity of my take on this, as knowledge of HHC in circles outside of DC is lacking, notwithstanding pockets here and there of those folks with intense interest in the inner-workings of the program.

On edit: Another point to make regards last year's petitions and letters. How many of the 4000+ were contacted for donations? I know that I wasn't. Here is a list of people who want to see a winning program and are looking for ways in which to affect change but may be unaware of how to do so outside of signing a petition or copying and sending a form letter. I know that these actions may have been controversial in some circles, but I see their aftermath as 4000 opportunities lost. Heck... Even if only 250 signed up and paid the $25 minimum, that would increase the number of donors in the HHC and would mean an extra $6000+ in the HHC account, which would be roughly a 1% increase in overall giving, which is no small change. Anyway, my attitude here might be different than that of some folks, but I see it as incumbent on HHC et al. to ask for money, not vice-versa.

Anyway, my $.02. I appreciate the feedback on my initial post and hope that you will see something in my clarifications here.