March 30, 2006:
Fan Club 2006 Annual Banquet
So Much to Do, So Little Time
By Rich Rooney
Our annual banquet is the one event that all true NY Giant Fan Club members look forward to all year and this year was no exception. This year we tried to appease all the requests made through the year. We had a buffet to honor the request for more variety (fish and chicken with all the usual fixings) and added meatballs to the usual cracker/cheese and relish cocktail hour appetizer round. We had our memorabilia man, Tim Donovan on hand to sell his wares, along with Dave Stearns high end Memorabilia, which was quite a hit.
The main attraction was “Center of the Line” Shaun O’Hara and from his arrival he didn’t disappoint, honoring all requests for pictures and signatures. But he was one of the best guest speakers we have had in years. He arrived and began to answer all questions and was quite humorous and sometimes even comical. The banquet started with many people showing up early and when all were through the front table where all members and guest were checked in.
The Banquet, and this year was no exception as it resembles a large family reunion or maybe more like a 20 year class reunion. The way folks hug and joke about events they were at together earlier this year. But the real fun begins when John Berti calls all to the tables to start the festivities.
John started off by setting up the room and pointing out all the features for the day, photo album table, which folks if they find pictures can get copies, Dave Stearns memorabilia and as mentioned our own memorabilia man, Tim Donovan. We had a moment of silence for our fallen owners and our own founder demise, Ron Anderson.
We quickly moved to business and then as folks were finishing up the eats, Shaun O’ Hara was introduced. I must say I was quite impressed with Shaun and his oration. He was well versed in all football aspects from player personnel meetings in Hawaii, to the latest moves and sports prognostication. At every turn of his eloquent speech about players and what transpired last year and what he hopes for this coming year it was all good.
Just as I thought what a great job, Shaun was still to put on a show. It really made everyone laugh, after Chas Chesler asked one of his 5 minute multi facetted questions. Shaun brought the house down with a series of comical comments on the long and many part questions of Chas. Even when several tough questions came about playoffs and some of the more controversial players (Shockey, Burress) Shaun was equal to the task, as he put factual content and put his point across in a comical and humorous manner. But I think he was his informative when a High School football coach asked him about blocking schemes and he was able to dissect and explain the differences as the change levels of competition and the various complexities in different programs.
And then we moved on to the raffle and the crowning touch was how Shaun took his time and spent much time in pleasant conversations with children and adults and also took many pictures and signed almost everything you can think off. As the banquet came to an end, Shaun remarked what a nice club we have and how he enjoyed every minute.
In the aftermath of the Banquet and as people were leaving at least twenty some odd people came up to me and commented what fun this was and hopefully next year we can again have a great speaker. I also left the room with a warm heart and felt we indeed did give the club members a good day. Something to hold us over until the draft and mini camps begin.
GO GIANTS!
2005 Banquet Dave Gettleman |
