Brainstorming thread #2

[Jenny]

Thanks for all the input so far!!

A few more things to think about.... I do think the individual cards from everybody would be wonderful, but the downside to that idea is that it will take a lot longer for us to put this together since I'd have to wait to receive all of them before sending them out to Michelle. As much as I like the card idea, I'm kind of leaning towards something that would get to Michelle much sooner.... during the first week of the tour even. If we all write messages in a thread on the forum, that will be easy to print out and fax to the florist to go along with the bouquet. I have no problem putting up the money upfront if I get a clear idea of how many people will be willing to contribute a dollar to pay me back. That way, Michelle could still get this congratulatory gift in a timely manner since waiting to get the money before doing anything would take a long time too (might as well do the cards if we did it that way).

I'm also trying to figure out the exact logistics of how this could work as far as how the flowers could be delivered -- when & where. I was thinking it might be better for Michelle to receive the bouquet at the hotel in one of the cities where the COI skaters are staying as opposed to at the arena itself because (1) I'd have more faith in hotel management than arena staff in delivering it to her, and (2) it would be a cool surprise for her to come back to her room and find this gift -- and then she wouldn't have to lug it around after the show and she would have time to read through all the messages in the privacy of her own room. Obviously, official COI hotel information isn't (and shouldn't be!) publicized, so I'm trying to contact Michelle's agent to see if we can get some help in delivering it in this way -- perhaps i could send the messages and the check to them, and they could see that the flowers are delivered wherever Michelle is staying without revealing that information to anyone else.

Final thing to think about: What kind of flowers do you think would be appropriate? Roses? A mixed floral? Anyone know if she has a favorite?

Anyway, let me know what you think about all that.... Perhaps the card project could be saved for her 20th birthday this July. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->

[GinnySmith]

I vote for the flowers to the hotel and the printed out posts.

As far as the type of flowers, I don't know. I am such a loser when it comes to gardening! The thank you note I received for the contribution to the Children's Miracle Network came on stationary that was a pastel violet color. The flowers look like roses to me--violet colored roses.

I am such a flower dummy, I don't believe that I have ever seen roses that color. However, that pale violet is probably a clue that Michelle likes the color. So I would go with something along those lines. Actually, blue or purple Iris's might work.

Finally, you want to make sure that Michelle will be going back to the hotel after the performance. Last year in Oakland after the evening performance, the bus left immediately. I don't know if they were going to hit the road or head back to a hotel. I don't know if there is anyway for you to find out which evenings Michelle will be at the hotel, but just keep that in mind.

P.S. I will be glad to contribute and am willing to do so in advance if you need. Just let me know where to send a money order. My e-mail is gusdawg78@earthlink.net.

[NicoleM]

Jenny,

I agree that it would take awhile for all of us to get cards to you for Michelle. Maybe we could still send her cards, but send them directly to MK, and label them somewhere with "The Michelle Kwan Forum", and put the web address with that on the card. That way, MK would start to wonder why all these cards she received said that, and would realize that we are an organized group of Kwan fans.

As far as a few of the other ideas, although I adore Song's idea from the other thread, about leaving a bouquet of flowers for MK at every tour stop, I don't think this is financially or logistically doable. But maybe one thing that we could do along these lines is this: Every person who attends a performance of COI could bring Michelle a single flower with a note attached, including the information that they are a proud poster at the Michelle Kwan Forum, and again include the web address.

Or if not a flower, a small stuffed animal, or any kind of little gift (remember she has to carry this), making sure to include the information about MK Forum on the card. This could be left at the arena for Michelle. They are normally pretty good about delivering things if you get them turned in before the show starts. Usually you have to leave gifts with Guest Services or the Security Office of an arena, but you could just call ahead of time to make sure, or ask when you arrive.

I also like Izzy's idea of donating to one of Michelle's favorite charities. I don't necessarily think it should be discounted due to the fact that it has been done by MKGA. Can you ever donate too much to charity? Maybe those of us who wanted to do this could send an extra dollar for it when we send a dollar for MK's flowers. I would certainly be willing to do this.

I do think we should start a thread on this board to congratulate Michelle on her third World Championship. I will be printing out the thread on my board (that congratulates MK on her entire season) on Monday, and taking it to her at the pro-am in NY. But I would like to see a thread here that is specific to her achievement at Worlds. And I would definitely sign it!

By the way, if anyone wants to sign the thread congratulating Michelle on her entire season, I would recommend doing so by Sunday evening, to insure that your message is included. For anyone who missed it, here's the link:

pub8.ezboard.com/fskating...=19.topic (http://pub8.ezboard.com/fskatingfanforummichellekwan.showMessage?topicID=1 9.topic )

[Marie]

I just saw the idea about donating to a charity and I think that this may be the best idea. Flowers are wonderful, but I think a donation may be a better idea. And the print out messages would probably work better, as much as I would prefer to send a real card.
But, whatever is decided I will contribute to.

[Terri]

I really like the idea of sending Michelle flowers. Tulips are a good choice also. We can also donate to charities but I'm definitely for flowers.

[GinnySmith]

ooooooohhhh...I really like the idea of contributing to a charity AND the single flower at each event. This will be a little more of a challenge to coordinate, but we should not discount a good idea even if it is more of a challenge.

To me that's the best of both worlds--there's something personal for Michelle--and it is a great symbol of how she reaches out, touches and brings together people across the world. It would be like a "connect the dots" of MK Forum Posters. Plus, it won't overload her with having to carry around yet more teddy bears and stuff.

But I'd also like to quickly congratulate her with something personal. Michelle really deserves it. If every body contributed, we could allocate a small percentage to flowers and the rest to a charity. We could put a limit on the flower amount.

I vote for:
1) Doing a collective donation and sending one bouquet, a note on the donation and printed out congratulations to one of the early COI stops--the sooner the better. I'd like to have one big "CONGRATULATIONS" right away.
2) For folks who have the time and can do it, get a single flower to her at your COI if you go. If there are multiple fans at a particular location and you want to coordinate this together, that would be great!

[skatingfan]

I like Jenny's ideas of printing the thread, and leaving flowers at the hotel.

I like Nicole's idea of charity. Diane has not said anything about a similar
project for this year yet. I still very much appreciate Diane's effort last year of
coordinating that. It maybe good to donate to CMN again this year for
the dual purpopse of congrats for worlds and as her Bday project.
Nicole , last year Diane ask us to donate to our local CMN, and preferably
in the form of a money order, and send the copy of the money order to her.
She gave us a deadline, and then total everything and sent that to Mk.
She designed a lovely check and wrote the total amount on that.
I will be at COI tomorrow. I don't have a backstage pass, but I will try
to pass a stuff animal with a card stating that all the mkforumers
congratulate her, c/o the arena security. I just hope I can find parking tomorrow, b/c COI,
and the Baltimore orioles are on tomorrow night, and I have to work late. Folks, I will
try.

So far we know there are people going to COI at Baltimore , DC, Phili, NY, and where
else.

[GinnySmith]

If I can get tickets!

[maryada]

Sounds like a good plan Jen, and I'm committed for whatever you need. Let us know and we can all get involved right away-----MaryAda

[Jenny]

--I think it's great for anyone who is lucky enough to attend COI this year to give their own flower/stuffed animal to Michelle, but not as a gift from everyone on the forum. If they want to include on the card that they are a member of MKF that would be neat (especially if she gets something like that in almost every city), but I think a personal gift like that should be from them personally to Michelle. Not everyone who posts here can attend COI, so I think the bouquet not delivered by anyone in particular is better suited as coming from everybody on MKF. JMHO.

--As for the charity idea.... yes, you can never give too much to charity, but as with the cards, I think this would be better suited for Michelle's birthday. I would not be able to estimate ahead of time how much everyone would be willing to contribute to charity, so we wouldn't be able to plan that very quickly. Beyond that, I personally don't really like the idea of donating to charity in honor of her World title.... it's a nice gesture, but the project I had in mind was to congratulate Michelle and give a little something special to her to let her know we're proud & happy for her. I feel like everyone is going to think I'm unkind or selfish for not wanting to do the charity idea, but we're not talking about spending loads of money that would be better spent on a charity... just one flower bouquet! I also think that sort of project is better suited for honoring a birthday because donating money in honor of Worlds might seem like our contribution was contingent on her winning. Obviously, I know everyone would want to do that whether we were congratulating her for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or whatever, but it just might *seem* that way. I don't know.... I just like that particular idea MUCH better for her birthday. Also, I know we aren't prohibitted from doing a charity project because Diane organized a similar project for MKGA last year, but I would want Diane to know about it first because that was a wonderful project that she put together so well. Perhaps we can do it again for her birthday this year as a joint effort by MKF and MKGA together. Hopefully I've made sense here.... it's not that I don't want to give to charity, but that would just be a much bigger project than I had in mind, and might be best saved for another occassion.

[Rene]

Jenny, I think it is a better idea with the print out instead of cards(that's ALOT of cards to open). Also, excellent idea about delivering the flowers to the Hotel. It makes sense all the way around. Not too busy, don't have to carry them around etc.
As for what kind of flowers. I love tropical, Hibiscus,lillies, orchids etc but any mix would do. Maybe my Plumeria tree will have enough for a lei <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> . I would probably vote against roses. They just don't seem like Michelle to me. Too Valentine-ish
or formal. Great ideas, this sounds like alot of fun and exciting.

If you put the money up front and didn't get it all back, I for one would be willing to help pay for whatever you didn't collect. I think you're right, the sooner the better, while her victory is still fresh.

[skatingfan]

Nice idea Jenny, I bought a small bear and a card, I will
just identify myself as a MK forumer in the card then.
Whatever flowers you guys decide on, count me in.

[GinnySmith]

Jenny--I totally agree with everything you just said. I prefer to keep this single gesture a congratulations to Michelle from the fans at the MK Forum for her achievement at the worlds. Something quick, short and sweet!

[michellesmom]

I will take a beanie or flower with the forum URL to the Pond. I will also gladly send $2.00, as soon as I know where to send it!

[Caroline]

I totally agree with you Jen. I LOVE the idea of flowers .. just let us know where the send the money.

[Mordecai71]

I would love to contribute for some flowers. I also think Michelle would appreciate sending whatever is left for charity. Just let us know!

[Jenny]

Don't worry yet about where to send the money. We can figure that part out later after the bouquet is on it's way -- I will let you know!

Mordecai's post made me think.... if I do end up getting more than enough money to pay me back for the bouquet, I will certainly send the leftover amount to charity and we can send a nice note to Michelle explaining that. So, while the charity idea still won't be the main project, that would just be an added bonus if people happen to send me more than is needed. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->

Here's yet another thought:
I was originally thinking that everyone would post their messages on a thread for everyone to see because i thought it would be nice to be able to read all the well wishes. However, it also might be nice to include people's full names & addresses with their messages in case Michelle wants to write any thank yous (not that that would be necessary, of course!). In that case, it would probably be better for people to email me their message so their address isn't public for everyone to see. What do you all think about that? Would you prefer posting the messages on the forum or emailing them personally to me?
We could also do both in that people could post the message on the forum and then ALSO copy & paste the message into an email to me which would include their address. That might be more of a hassle though.... let me know what you think!

[Valerie]

Jenny, that's sounds good. I vote for flowers to the hotel! What type of bouquet?--I suggest everything! Since we aren't sure what is her favourite flower, if we get a bouquet with all sorts and genres, then we can hope tha one of the kinds will be her favourite. Let's get a *mixed* flower bouquet. Jenny, I am willing to pay as least $10 Canadian, or more if we need--that shouldn't be a problem. How does sunflowers sound? I also think we should get some red flowers since one of Michelle's favourite colour is red. Moreover, I really am hoping that this bouquet would be *huge*!

In addition, surprises are so appreciated. At the hospital, when discharged patients send us flowers, we're always so happy!

[Jennis]

Jenny, I'd be glad to contribute to the flowers. I think that's a great idea.

Hey, I just had a thought. Last year when I went to the Hershey's Challenge in Binghamton, I stayed at the same hotel as the skaters, including Michelle. They all stay at the Holiday Inn across from the arena. They arrived the day before the competition and stayed the night of the competition. Maybe you could order the flowers through a florist in Binghamton and have them delivered to the Holiday Inn in Binghamton while the Spring Challenge is going on there next week.

[kwanluv]

Flowers for sure!!!

I also like the congrats thread for MK to read and I'd also be willing to send you an e-mail with my own personal things to say.

Let us know what you decide.

This is very exciting <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->

[andycat]

Again, the flowers idea is fantastic.

Perhaps since her theme seems to be 'red' this year: red short program costume; red long program costume; "The Red Violin" music -- perhaps we could send her flowers that are red? (Corny?) Just thought the card could be something creatively poetic about that ties together the "fiery" spirit that won her her third title...(I know, corny...just trying to be creative!)

Whatever the idea, I'm in.

[GinnySmith]

Jenny--I will be glad to e-mail you my full name and address. I think that is the best way. Please let me know where to e-mail you. Thanks!

[Beth2000]

Jenny I am more then willing to send you $2.00 and let me know your email address and I will send my congrats to Michelle that way! I just love the idea of her getting this stuff at her Hotel room. I can just see her walking in her room and the surprise on her face when she sees the flowers and the messages <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> I think she will be more then happy with that. What kind of flowers? I say a mixed bouquet. Michelle is a very gracious person and when she sees that in her room she isn't going to care if her favorite flower isn't there. I am getting excited just thinking about it. Jenny you can email me with your address and I will send you the $2.00. My email addy is:
gemana@mindspring.com

I hope everything will go well in getting all this stuff out.

[skatingfan]

All the ideas are great.
1. I love the flower idea, I will send at least $10 U.S cashier's check.
2. I love both the idea of a thread, and email you my address and
a more private note to MK.
3. Thanks Jenny for organizing the project. I hope there is some $
left over to charity.

[Linustm511]

Hi guys, let me know when do u want to send money for congratulation MK. Email me at
linustm511@yahoo.com. I am ready for it.

[Kara]

Jenny - I think you have an absolutely wonderful idea here...good thinking<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> ! I will be thrilled to participate. Would you please consider my thoughts on all this<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> ? Thanks.

1. We should get an exact "pledged" dollar amount from each of us to be sent to Jenny when she is ready for us to send it (posted in one thread on the main board) so we get everyone involved who'd like to participate, so we can get an accurate idea of what we can afford flower-wise, and so Jenny doesn't get stuck in debt if she decides to front the $ (which is the best solution, IMO). We need to be as specific as possible and do this within the next day or so bcz I agree that we need to move on this while the win is still fresh. And, I know some people will give more than others, but I don't think that should deter us from stating the exact amount bcz it's important that Jenny isn't forced to under or overspend. Some of us have careers, some are in school, so it's okay to not give as much as someone else...we all love MK the same<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> .

2. Jenny can call the florist and see what we could get for our total pledged amount (we can't forget cost of delivery). Often, they have pictures of various boquets, so maybe she could even scan a few that are within our price range and we could take a vote over the next few days.

3. Usually, I am *very* much for giving to charity, but in this one instance, I want to totally *indulge* Michelle. Something just for dear little HER. She's done an amazing thing this season and I want to really *WOW* her with the size of the boquet. Flowers are so expensive, esp. when delivered, so we'd need a pretty large amount of $ to get a beautiful and LARGE boquet (am I spelling that word wrong?) and have it delievered. I can't imagine that we'd have sooo much $ left if we get her something lovely and big like we want to. I can see why many of you would want to do the charity thing, though, so could we maybe decide on charity after we clarify our total pledged amount and see exactly what flowers we can get for that??

4. Finally, I do have one concern that I think is very important. If we send Michelle *ALL* our *MANY* addresses along with an impressive gift, she will feel that, out of gratitude, she has to respond individually to all of us. I know we don't mean "Here's your flowers, now send us each an autograph," and she'll probably understand we're doing this out of love for her, but being the kind and responsible person that she is, she'll feel like she has to reply to each of us...and what a task that would be! I'm sure she's getting tons of mail right now, she's on the road and performing almost nightly, she has a full semester coming up right after COI, and has already had SUCH a stressful season with school and pressure-packed skating, that I want her to be able to totally relax and enjoy herself! I think many of us have received replies from MK in the past and I just feel badly asking for more of her time. I sent her a note and she replied, and then I sent her 2 little books I thought she'd like months after, and she replied again. I was so happy to recieve it, but I feel like she's got so much on her plate that I don't NEED another reply.

There are hundreds of us here, so I think it would be the more "Michelle honoring" thing to do to post here, have Jenny print them out, and use the return address of the MKF or maybe your address, Jenny. We could still sign our names, but if she wanted to reply to all of us, she could either post her thanks here (wouldn't that make our day:>), or she could send a note to the MKFers ICO Jenny and she could scan it here. Of all my many ramblings on this, my point #4<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> , is the thing I most wanted to say. *Please* consider just posting and signing our names and letting her reply once to all of us. And if you don't have an autograph and really want one, maybe send a note separately to her address. The last thing we want is to make our gift more of a summonds on her time than a gift that will bring her joy. I think it should be as "no strings attatched" as possible if we really want to give a gift to *her* and not to ourselves. Ya know? Thanks for reading all this<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> . I'm excited to get started!

[Jenny]

Thanks everyone, all this enthusiasm for the project is really GREAT!

Kara -- I agree that it doesn't matter if people can contribute $1 or $5... whatever is within their budget is fine. Or especially if someone here is a minor and isn't allowed to send money, that's OK too, you are still welcome to submit a message for Michelle. It will be nice for people to give a pledge amount, but I'm not really worried about not getting my money back because if just 40 people participate and send an *average* of $2 (some will send more, some will send less), that's already $80 which should get a nice size bouquet. And even if the bouquet ends up more with delivery and everything, I don't mind putting in the rest myself.
I also agree that you're right about not including everyone's address after all.... I had been a little wary of that idea which is why I put "not that that would be necessary!" in parenthesis, and now that you say all that I agree with you that we better not. We can always send everyone's address to Michelle later if she requests them or something.
I still think I will leave the option of posting the messages on the forum or emailing them to me if some people want theirs to be more private for whatever reason. I'll just compile them all together from the forum & from the emails.

So what do you all think....should I start the official thread where people can leave their messages and/or their pledge amount?

[Jennis]

Jenny--Go for it! This is exciting!

[kwanluv]

Let's do it...I'm ready <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->

[Terri]

I agree about the address deletion. I don't want her to feel as if she has to write and thank me. It's my pleasure to contribute towards buying her flowers and I don't need any thanks for it. Just adding our names and maybe city and state or province is enough I feel. If she wants to write a collective thank you, she can send it to Jenny.

I have no idea what to write in my note. She's probably told that she's wonderful a lot and I feel like I'd be saying the same old thing! I'm trying to find something special to say. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->

[Kara]

Thanks for reading all that, Jenny<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP--> ! Yep, start up that thread...maybe you did already, I better go look for it!

[Linustm511]

I love your idea. Tell me when and where I should send my check or money order to you. My email addres is linustm511@yahoo.com, tell me how much do u want me to contribute, I can afford from $10 to $20 US dollars, and i will give you my full name, address, and email if you dicide to go with it. Have great day Jenny, hope to hear from you soon.

[Jenny]

Linustm511-- I emailed you the info!

For those who missed it, the official message thread for Michelle is here:

A VERY SPECIAL MKF PROJECT!!! (http://pub1.ezboard.com/fmichellekwanforumletscongratulatemichelle.showMes sage?topicID=10.topic)