Hello Friends of the BLRC,
We wanted to keep you, the folks who have bought tickets to our 20th Gala, updated on what to expect for our upcoming Anniversary celebrations in September. Please read the following as much of it is important and it may answer some unanswered questions.
When does everything start?
Friday, September 19th: The kickoff for the Alumni Game is at 6:00 PM. If you are playing you should aim to be there earlier to change and warm up. All those who purchased tickets will then be fed a BBQ chicken dinner, and will be treated to musical entertainment in the clubhouse, as well as some other surprises.
Saturday, September 20th: BLRC games begin at 11:30. All divisions play at home against the Rowers. After our games we will have our classic BLRC post game in the clubhouse, but the real fun begins at 6:30 in the Firefighters Club where ticket holders will attend the 20th Anniversary Banquet and Gala to feast, reminisce and dance the night away. Cocktails are at 6:00, dinner is served at 7:00 and attire is formal. Several important dignitaries will be in attendance including the Mayor of Burnaby, Derek Corrigan. In addition to good times, presentations and dancing, a silent auction will be held, with some amazing items on the block, including a package vacation to Langara Fishing Lodge usually worth $10 000.
Sunday, September 21st: A post festivities Pancake Brunch will be held on Sunday at the clubhouse depending on interest. See below…
Sunday Pancake Brunch – RSVP Required
We wanted to offer the option for folks to simultaneously say one last good bye to old friends and recover from a weekend of partying over a hot stack of pancakes on Sunday. If however, you think you would prefer to sleep until around 3:00 PM and forgo the pancakes, we understand. But, if free flap jacks, old pals, and lies about the glory days of rugby sound good to you, email me back your RSVP. If we have enough interest we will hold the Pancake Brunch starting at 10:30 on Sunday.
Hotel Accommodation
If you are coming from out of town, or you live a fair distance from the Clubhouse and the Firefighters Club, you may wish to book a hotel room for the weekend. The club has attained a reduced rate for rooms at the Metrotown Holiday Inn Express, which is a short 5 minute walk from the Firefighters Club, and easily reachable by both cab and transit from the clubhouse. To reserve rooms call (604) 438-1881 and book a room under the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club group rate. You must book before August 20th to get the reduced rate.
If you are looking for another option there are several hotels in the area, including the Delta Burnaby, which now has a bar that is open late and a casino, as well as the Metrotown Hilton, which is also fairly close to the Firefighters. No special rates though.
Bought a ticket, but now you can’t go?
As you may know, we have sold out our 250 tickets to the Banquet and Gala (although there are a few tickets to the Alumni Game and Social still up for sale). We started selling tickets to this thing a year in advance, and those who have snoozed, did indeed lose in some cases. Now you, who bought their ticket in a timely fashion, may now not be able to go and are wondering what to do with your ticket. We may be able to help you out. We have a bit of a waiting list, and we expect that there may be a few of you who have important things come up and can’t go. If this is the case let us know by emailing me back or giving me a call (604-240-5248) and we may be able to get someone to buy your ticket and you will get your money back. If however, we are unable to find you a buyer, you will be responsible for finding a buyer on your own.
Any questions, send me an email (john_decaire@hotmail.com) or give me a ring,
John Decaire
On Behalf of the Anniversary Committee
