phxraptor

:mad I don't know who was doing all the Bitchin about the Corvettes Against Cancer Benifit and Car Show but until you have walked in Joe Bria's shoes and tried to coordinate an event of this magnitude you have NO REASON to complain. Did anyone step up to the pump and try to help Joe make this show better in the eyes of the people that complained,I think not. If any of you so called CORVETTE ENTHUSIASTS think you can do a better job ,take over next year ! Just remember this event was for charity and a DAMM good one and not so much about OUR PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS. I for one think Joe did a GOOD JOB !
:mad :rant: ps I may have not made any friends from this post but I think the people that caused me to write this should evaluate the reason we were all there. :seeya

BSeery

:iagree:
I got this very strange e-mail from Joe saying that people were not happy with the event, and because of this he was stepping down from his position in Sun Country Vettes.
I don't have the whole story and probably never will. All I can say is this:
I had a wonderful time and was glad to see those that arrived. To those that did not come out, I hope it wasn't the mere threat of rain that kept you away from such an important event.
As to the complaints, I didn't hear of any at the event and did not have any complaints of my own. Some people whined that the route took them through some water and that got their cars wet / dirty. Hey, it will wash right back off :rolleyes: .

I wrote to Joe and said I didn't see any failure in the event. The real failure would be to not have the event at all.
:rant:
This was a fundraiser for American Cancer Society, and to those like Joe that were affected by the ravages of cancer. Many people depend on the help of ACS and the support of people like us that showed up to participate and donate. Also those that knew they couldn't make it and sent contributions were equally important to this event and great cause.
If anyone had reason to complain it would be people like Joe Bria and other cancer patients that has gone through so much hell in his life. If anyone wants to bitch that the event wasn't what they wanted, I say go up to anyone affected by cancer and you tell them your complaints and let them tell you theirs. I bet your piddly problems about the event are no where near what they have gone through in life.
To hear that people didn't appreciate Joe Bria, Cocomo Joe's, Sun Country or anyone else that helped to put this event on really just pisses me off. Until YOU step forward and try to plan even a simple event where you try and please the whims of even a few Corvette owners you have no reason to say one bad word about how things went. Joe B. went the extra 100 miles in planning this event, and I think everyone owes him a "thank you" for his hard work.
:rant:
My only worry was that since there was such a low showing of Vette owners that Joe may not have been able to raise enough money compared to what was paid out to put the event on.
And to Joe -- it was a fantastic event, thank you for working so hard on it. I hope that you will continue your hard work and that their will be a 2005 Corvettes against Cancer fundraiser in one form or another.


[Modified by BSeery, 12:59 PM 4/5/2004]

Corvette_fetish

I too received an e-mail from Joe. I just got through sending him a personal reply. I've decided to post it here:

Date:
Mon, 5 Apr 2004 12:07:35 -0700 (PDT)
From:
"Dan Wilson" <corvette_fetish@yahoo.com> Add to Address Book
Subject:
Re: Thank you
To:
"76corvette" <76corvette@***.net>

Dear Joe,

I was personally unaware the event was considered a
failure, and am unclear as to what was wrong. I
personally had a great time. As to the reasons more
owners chose not to participate with their Vettes is a
mystery to me. If it was due to being spooked by the
weather then shame on them! Cars can be washed. I
almost didn't bring my Vette due to some minor damage
that occurred in my garage just as I was leaving for
the event, but I said what the heck, My car's
superficial looks were not what was important. Showing
up in support for a good cause was. Broken fiberglass
can be fixed. A missed event will remain forever
missed. Still, even if I had not brought the Vette it
doesn't mean I would not have jumped into my T-bird
and headed down to make the donation and hang out for
the day. People really needed a good excuse not to
come down in one way or another.

I heard there was some grumbling about there not being
judging and awards. Well, I was personally always
under the impression that it was a day to come down,
go for a cruise, and hang out with each other and our
passions our Vettes. I don't know what
misunderstandings took place, BUT somehow I just have
a feeling you're not responsible. I appreciate your
well meaning efforts, I do not think less of any of
the attending Corvette Clubs, and I personally am
looking forward to next year, so I hope you will
consider doing it again. Petty club politics be
damned. The charity was the real reason to show up,
not trophies.

Joe, thank you. It was a great way to spend a Sunday.
I had a very good time. Neither I, nor the two
participating Corvette owners I brought along with me,
were disappointed with the quality of the event
whatsoever. I was ONLY disappointed in all the
Corvette owners who knew, but decided not to attend.
Sorry you are suffering negative repercussions for
working so hard to do a very good thing. That's not
fair, and as far as I'm concerned, NOT deserved.

Sincerely,

Dan Wilson a.k.a. corvette_fetish on the Corvette
Forum
Member of the Arizona Corvette Enthusiasts.

I don't know who was complaining about what, but I saw NO reasons to complain. I'll be real sad if it's the typical club politics garbage. I too am annoyed that Joe received enough flack for doing a good deed that it inspired him to resign not only his position within his club, but also his membership ! That's truly sad. I don't think it's going out on a limb to say he's always welcome among the members of A.C.E.

blacksedan87

Personally - I was there, and I was there from 9:45 until about 3:00. I went on the rally, and came back for the show and shine. Now I admit I didn't talk to EVERYONE, but I talked to a number of folks - I heard no comments other than the talk of the threatening weather and the the little venture through the slightly flooded wash.

My car got dirty - I cleaned it up. BIG DEAL! :rolleyes: It's just dirt and it will wash off.

As far as there not being judging - I personally don't care for that kind of thing. I would rather come out and spend time with other Vette people. I had fun kibbutzing and BS'ing with everyone.

To those of you who stayed away because of the weather - be a big boy or girl and send your donation - I'm sure someone will chime in as to where you can send it.

Joe did a great job organizing this event. As Bryan said before me - it's a HUGE undertaking to set all of this up, and try to please everyone. I guess that may be Joe's biggest mistake - you cannot please everyone. There will always be some malcontents. Oh well F 'em if they can't take a joke! :jester

:cheers:

woodworkr

Thanks for all the kind words it really means alot at this time. Unfortunately I am not at liberty to say what has transpired to get to this point. At sometime I may be able to. All I will say that after 14 hours yesterday I came home only to be angered, hurt and humiliated. Please know all of you that participated, that you have my heart felt thanks for you generious donations. If any of you were there when the little boy pulled the raffle ticket for the ride in the cobra. You should know that he was in a terminal condition. At last years event his parents(who are flat broke) were put in touch with the right people to get their son treatment. I hope that you all heard me announce that he is now 5 months in remission and there is a promise for a semi normal life. He was given a ride in the Cobra and I think that the sheer acceleration of that car tattooed a perminate smile on his face. I for one and thankful to have been a part in his recovery and so should all of you. If not for all of your efforts there may not have been a happy ending to that story.
Again I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Joe Bria

phxraptor

:D :iagree: :blueangel: :flag :grouphug: ;) :) :cheers: :seeya

Corvette_fetish

Okay, now That's what it's all about! :thumbs: That makes my day.

eddie44

:iagree: 100% Bryan, I couldn't have said it better. There are very few people that haven't been affected by cancer. My Mother is a cancer survivor and I for one give :thumbs: :thumbs: to Joe for all the effort he put into this event. Hopefully we'll all get over this and you'll do this event again next year. THANKS Joe!

vettegirl99

Joe, I want to tell you as I did in a personal email to you that I thought this was a great event. I was saddened not to see more attendance there but had a great time. This was my first event since relocating to Phoenix and I can not imagine what could have possibly happened to make you feel you must resign. My family has been touched by cancer many times and it was very important for me to support a cause I strongly hope will give hope to all of those touched by cancer and hopefully irridicate it in my lifetime. I came over to personally introduce myself to you and you welcomed me in a wonderful way. I hope that you will continue to organize this event as I will be there each year. As to what could have been wrong, I don't know. I had a great time and applaud every effort you made to make this a success. :yesnod:

Scratch

:eek: :lurk: :confused:

BSeery

Whoever it was that said those terrible and hurtful things about Joe and his event is no Vette owner I ever want to know.

In past civilizations, when someone was this wrong and cruel, the "community" would all turn their backs towards someone in a literal way. That was the sign that they were no longer wanted in that community.

To Joe, know that A.C.E. and everyone I talked to yesterday are proud to have you in the Vette community.

To that other person....

joshc

I have been to all of the Corvettes Against Cancer Events that Joe has held. The first one was the big cruise, the second was more of a car show, and this years was the best ever. The cruise was well organized, great route, and I'm glad I wasn't trying to cross the road with my trash bags in New River, Because the wait was a long one. I remember looking in my rear view at all the vettes, people driving by us waving and honking, and I even saw one guy and family pull over to watch us all go by........

It was fantastic to have the BBQ and Brews outside, the bands were great, and that kid with the cobra ride was AMAZING!!

I remember Joe telling the story of that kid last year after the event, and that is what makes it all worth while. ITS NOT DASH PLAQUES AND TROPHIES..... It's kids with cancer getting the help they need all because Joe Bria hosted a fantastic event. I know Joe well, and the time he puts into the event, the political BS he deals with, and the simple orchestration of bands, food, beverages, police protection, parking, crusing, routes, tv spots, promotions, solicitaion of donations, marketing, coordinations is amazing that IT ALL CAME OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.

I debated coming down from Prescott in the old 78, but I'm so glad I did. Saw some old faces and met a lot of new ones. Best of all, it was for a GREAT CAUSE

Thank you Joe for putting on a fantastic event. I will be proud to attend any event that you host, anytime, anywhere. Thanks,

Josh

Perfusion

Joe,

You may or not may remember that I introduced myself to you at the food & beverage table shortly after the first band started. I thanked you for everything you had done for the event and the ACS, and I told you I was having a really nice time.

I again would like to echo those sentiments to you in hopes that you will continue to put whatever negative comments someone has made to you in the back of your mind, if not out completely. This was my first year at the event, and it certainly won't be my last. As long as I'm in the state of AZ and CAC is happening, I'll be there. Although it was my first year at the event, it was plain to see that you had poured your efforts, as well as those of the volunteers from SCC, into making this event a success. Apparently some felt that there was more to be desired? I don't get that.

Sure, a police escort would've looked cool - and yeah, our convoy did get separated at parts, but by the time we were on New River Rd., we were nearly all back together again with the exception of a few non-vetters spaced in between. And as for attendance, I guess there were not as many vettes as in years past? Still - it was the largest assembly of vettes in one place I'd ever SEEN!

So all in all - My wife and I had a great time, Joe! THANK YOU for everything you've done.

And to the individual who made negative comments that caused Joe to think he needed to resign - all I have for you is this.

:mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad

Scratch

The member in question here...is not an ACE member or a Forum member. ;)
He is/was a SCC member....
Joe, you know the member in question and should realize the source....
I commend your efforts, I'm sure knowbody could actually grasp the time spent to put on this event, let alone any event that involves various people, groups and planning.
Do Not let this stop your cause in the future... :(

BlueBomber

Having my Grandmother taken from me from cancer and then my Grandad going through it and surviving :thumbs: , this makes me upset to read that people could have called this event a "failure". I wasn't there, regretfully, but I'm sure it was a wonderful and fun event, and any cancer benefit is a worthy cause and cannot be unsuccessful, because of what it stands for. Please keep these benefits going because not only did the research keep my grandad around longer, it kept me here, too. I'm a cancer survivor, and this is coming from me: don't quit, keep it going! :thumbs:

CORTVET

I had a good time. Great cause. I will be there next year with checkbook in hand.

AZC5