Saturday night the Petroleum Club hosted the Permian Basin’s party of all parties, “The Crystal Ball”. This black tie, evening gown affair had supporters braving the limos and traffic of prom for this worthy and enjoyable event.
From the silent auction to the live auction, the generosity of participants was evident. J.H. was the first to start “giving back” an item that he won in the live auction to “resell it and auction it again”. Soon, the room was involved and even the H.E.B. team was able to raise an additional $11,300 for the High Sky Children’s ranch by giving every item “back” (they always have yet have done this silently in the past at the end of the event). By giving back during the event, other participants were able to bid on the item thus raising more funds.
The Crystal Ball is one of my most favorite events in the year. And, it’s really not the “dressing up” nor is it the tasty food and it’s not even the fun dance band (which unfortunately fell dramatically short on its performance this year - I’ll give them a D+ but more on that later.) It’s the way the staff and the board of directors and the numerous volunteers of High Sky treat you.
In several posts on this blog, I’ve cited Maya Angelou’s phrase, “People won’t remember what you did, they’ll not even remember what you said but they’ll always remember the way you made them feel.” So very true for the Crystal Ball –it’s foundational!
I’ve attended several black tie and formal events. Some at even “prime venues” in the Basin such as Midland Country club. Unfortunately, while the speaker and the food were great, the event “fell short” because the staff was too busy “working and not hosting to their guests” and the board of directors never moved from their chairs nor ventured further than their table.
From Jackie Carter to Joan Bohannon from Cheryl Albin to Mitch Malouf each staff member, board member and volunteer of the High Sky Ranch made you feel “welcomed”, “appreciated”, “valued” and “included”. That alone, makes this event, a WOW every year.
Here’s what made it great:
1. EVERYONE - from the top down, from side to side, and all the way across, everyone made you feel welcome and appreciated.
This is MONUMENTAL! I can count on one hand how many annual events in the Basin make you feel this way. Someday, I hope the count takes up both my hands and all my toes. Jackie, Joan and the entire board of directors, I believe, visited every table -hugged on every guest and spent their entire time, not running around like crazy people, not huddled around a table amongst themselves sharing “insider stories”, but out amongst the guests - all the guests (not just the key note speaker or those they deemed “special guests”).
2. ELEGANT AND WELL PLANNED.
Not only the guest were dressed up, even the volunteers and the staff. You were amongst friends and colleagues.
3. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEVER SPOKE - - THE VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP DID.
This is key. The Executive Director waived and showed she was there (who could miss her - she was making everyone feel welcome at every table). But, the speeches and the gratitude from the “stage” were from the volunteer leaders. As a former fundraiser, here’s a hint to Executive Directors — these events are the times when you “park your ego” if you really want to engage everyone. Keep in mind volunteers actually volunteer that which is most dear to them, their hearts and minds! So, this is a moment they can “shine” in front of their peers. Yes, even they can hand out awards - it does not have to be “you” being the “face” of the organization. In fact, it’s best when they can see their friends and families at work!
4. THE VOLUNTEERS MADE EVERYONE FEEL SPECIAL AND THE FACILITIES STAFF ALSO MADE EVERYONE FEEL SPECIAL.
I really don’t know who trained the Petroleum Club staff for this event but here’s kudos to them. They acted like this was their event (which in some ways - it was)! They didn’t act like they were thinking “look at those people renting the place having their event”. They acted like, “let’s take care of our guests”. Great job!
What didn’t work:
1. The event has grown tremendously and so the ability to create “kinship” and for people to see people and be seen is compromised. I love the Petroleum Club - it’s just not big enough. May be working over the schematics one more time might create the space along with the closeness. This was a challenge for the dancing. One literally had to leave from the middle of the ballroom, go to the middle area, go down the stairs and around the stairs to hit the dance floor - by then, it was the end of the song. Logistically, the layout has to be redone. Relationship building will carry you very, very far but you still have to provide a great service/event or you’ll strain the relationship.
2. The band has got to go. Someone either didn’t practice or was new but the band was totally off key and off timing. What a shame since they were fabulous the year before! Did someone not practice? Was someone new and the harmony was off? They belted out absolutely the worst rendition of George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” and “Super Freak” was more than freaky! Not only that, they threw beads at party goers (New Orleans type beads) but since the stage was much higher up they were pelting people on the head with significant force (gravity at work!) The only singer that sounded awesome was “Albert” and he’s a local who did his rendition of “My Girl” which was beautiful! However, his talent made the band’s lack of talent (or practice) even more evident. Again, good service and a good quality event will keep your connections happy. If you rely on the relationship too much and provide a shoddy performance, someone will eventually say - enough.
Overall, great event! Landslides and a ticker tape parade of “buzz points”. It was a banner event!
Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections
Buzz To Bucks Coaching and Connections: Personal Brand Coaching for Leadership, Career and Image Management
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