Fundraising can be Great Fun–When you Add a Little UMBC Pizazz

Wilkens Police & Community Relations Organization (WPCRO) Football Fantasy day after.....Simply could not wait to share this with you all.  I am slowly coming back down to earth after WPCRO’S ANNUAL FUND RAISING DANCE….FOOTBALL FANTASY  which, this past Saturday night at the Arbutus Town Hall, presented a special moment with special guests that presented their  phenomenally, exciting, upbeat, colorful and very professional  fun time for all…..and they are, the UMBC DANCE TEAM from our wonderful University right next door!!!   OK – deep breath (sometimes my sentences do go on and on)….. UMBC Seasonal Basketball Game Prizes (men and women) as well as Men’s Lacrosse Seasonal Tickets donated by the UMBC Athletic Department was huge added that extra special something to the Fantasy.  Certificates from Dimitri’s, Candlelight Inn, Ship’s Café, Paul’s Restaurant, Gianni’s, and Catonsville Hair were great door prizes.  

And this year , this year honey child, – something very magical happened – The Planning Committee was advised that perhaps the UMBC Dance Team might just be able to join us…and so we immediately made the call to the Director, Susan Barker – and as our lucky day would have it, she accepted!!!.  Rah, rah and a very big sis, boom, bah!!!! (I know, I know, I sound so 19fiftyish – well that’s where my roots are honey child—Bloomfield, Arbutus Teen Center, Catonsville High School, the Baltimore Colts and all that good stuff!!!)  For the young growing years, it doesn’t get any better than that –the perspective of a retired workerbee, of course. :)

(A little background please)  As part of the promotion, everyone was encouraged to wear their football colors and join in the End Zone Dance Contests and now famous annual Limbo Contest.

It was WPCRO – welcoming the community and a wonderful young group of outstanding dancers to help raise funds for an excellent cause – a mission and vision focused on being supportive of the Wilkens Precinct I.

After welcoming everyone and introducing Capt. Spiroff – Commanding Officer of the Wilkens Precinct I who kindly extended kudos to WPCRO,  the microphone was handed over to the DJs of the After Dinner Spinners, who gave a rousing welcome to our guests -  the fabulous UMBC Dance Team.  WOW!!!  And the magical evening began…..Their performance grounded the evening in a perfect  inspirational  rah, rah football fantasy as they made their striking entrance in beautiful black and gold costumes.

Yes, of course I wore my Unitas shirt (everybody loved Johnnie U-his memory, talent and kindness will never fade) and did a rather fragile End Zone Dance pom poms and all  – showing off in typical Saggitarian fashion and loving every minute of it.  Needless to say the End Zone Dance was very, very funny.  The Limbo Contest  is always great fun, but this year it was exceptionally so using the homemade Goal Post as the line of “scrimmage.”  And all the while the fabulous UMBC Dance Team routing the contestants on and finally judging the winners.  Non-stop laughter, all with exciting music, non-stop participation and good fun competition!!!  This is the stuff that keeps folks young –this is the stuff that brings great enjoyment to the world of volunteerism promoting good causes and great interaction with the many, many folks who love their communities and all in a positive way.

Alright now, you may think regarding this event that  I am biased in some way, being the current President of the WPCRO – well maybe, just a tad, :)   but no, no,  not in this case…  trust me!.  Just wanted to share with you my feeling that UMBC is a beautiful  “shinning diamond” that is a wonderful part of our community and how much members of this outstanding student dance team are such excellent ambassadors for that “diamond.”.  

And so, if you get an opportunity to go to UMBC events and see them in person, cheer them.  They will appreciate it and you will be very glad you did!!! If you  have an event you would like to invite them to -  do so, and if they can make it, you will be extra glad you did.

As always, it a pleasure to share the perspectives of a Retired  and little bit tired Workerbee  honey child.  Gotta admit that jumping around with pom poms even for a short time can be wearing and tearing on a Retired Workerbee!!!  :)

(For those of you who are not familiar, The Wilkens Police and Community Relations Organization (WPCRO)actually began it history as a PCR group about 20 years ago and moved on to become an independent  organization gaining their 501c3 status  in 2008.

WPCRO meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month - 7:00 P.M. in the cafeteria of the  Maiden Choice School located at 4901 Shelbourne Road in Arbutus, MD  (Except - June, July, and August).  The Precinct Commander and other police personnel, guest speakers, attend these meetings and provide the members with important information and statistics about local crime.  They also encourage a dialogue that addresses citizens’ concerns and suggestions for improved community safety.  All are welcome!  Those with like minds are encouraged to join.)