Fans with Spirit

Last weekend the coaches and players warmly thanked us volunteers for the work we have done this year to support the team by attending away games, raising money, building the booster club, supporting attendance goals, and creating this magnificent website. Hey, it’s a labor of love, but nice to be appreciated.
Of the many of us who volunteer, one person was selected for the annual Fan Spirit Award. This award in the memory of Margie Santillan (pictured with Tara) consists of a permanent trophy for display in the Basketball Office that is engraved with the name of the award recipients. A small engraved plaque is also given to each recipient to retain.
The recipient must be a member of the Fast Break Club. Other qualities that contribute to the recipient’s selection include: enthusiastic support for the team and coaching staff; participation in some volunteer aspect of the Fast Break Club; attendance at one or more away games (excluding Cal or other Bay Area sites); promotion of camaraderie among the boosters; and solicitation of new game attendees, season ticket holders, and Fast Break Club members. (Members of the Fast Break Club Executive Committee are not eligible.)

Of the several worthy nominations this year, Lily Wong won. Lily has been active in many aspects of fundraising and is a very deserving recipient. Past recipients of the Fan Spirit Award are: Jackie Anderson, Dal Miranda, Dana Stewart, Pete & Dee Franz, Deb Gumbley, Robin Dunaway, Jo Sturdivan, and Bill Sabbag.
When Margie’s brother Fred and I decided to fund this award, we couldn’t be sure whether it would be a highly anticipated success or a total flop. I controlled much of the publicity, selection process, and award presentation myself the first few years to see that it got off to an acceptable start. Then, in a more brilliant managerial move, I handed the entire responsibility to Jackie Anderson who has done a far better job in establishing this award as the highlight of the volunteer event. Many thanks to her from both Fred and me. And thank you Dana for contributing to the ceremony this year.

Congratulations Lily!

Photo credit: Barbara Ries (Lily, from the cover of Boosters Always Win!)