AHI Benefit Concert - Page 8

Rickypt · #**106** 07-08-2005, 01:02 PM

I wouldn't consider asking for a refund because the money did go to a good cause. I didn't want a refund, just wanted AHI to take some responsibility. An apology would have been great.

Too bad you weren't in charge of the event, Christopher. Sounds like you've got a better understanding of how it should have been run.

strandinthewind · #**107** 07-08-2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Wow, you and I have a completely different recollection of that event. I would say about 20 people actually made it up to Stevie and got her autograph. I also don't think she stayed an hour, and most of the time was spent accepting a thank you gift from AHI.

However, I agree completely that the lesson learned is not to have expectations and to spend the money only in the spirit of donating to charity. That way you can't get let down like we did and you might get surprised.

It was a long time ago. I saw many people in line and by the time I got up there, I could swear at least more than 20 went, but I could be wrong

Kelly · #**108** 07-08-2005, 03:22 PM

I remember it sort of like Ricky too. I did not swarm her and stayed back. She left rather quickly, IMHO. She did spend alot of time accepting the award/gift thing. Another thing that I noticed was people getting back in line AFTER the met her. That pissed me off. It was a complete disorganized mess. I was disappointed but not at Stevie. She donated her time and talents to the cause and as far as I was concerned that was admirable. I never talked to this Geri personally and maybe if she promised me things, I would have been more angry. Considering she is not from Stevie's managment, right?, how is she really able to promise anything on Stevie's behalf anyway? I also have a heart condition so personally, I looked at the money for the ticket as a way to support a good cause and support a cause that was dear to Stevie.
To be quite honest, after the way things ran in 98, I was surprised Stevie agreed to do another one. It is her name on the line...to raise the money, to keep the donors happy, to put on a great show with great guests. Yes it is an excellent cause and it probably makes her feel great to do it but I bet she feels lots of pressure from the whole event too.

Oona · #**109** 07-08-2005, 04:39 PM

After seeing all the backs and forths on this topic, as someone who was there, I can say this.........Geri made a promise, I payed for what may have been my once in a lifetime chance to meet Stevie, flew in (heck, a couple of folks flew in from New Zealand) and it turned false. Poor organization, whatever...these may be explanations, not excuses. I died a little inside that night. I still haven't recovered completely. We deserved a rain-check or something. One MUST make good on such an emotionally charged promise. If I would go to this new event, I would need a promise in writing that I would meet Stevie. If they refuse, then they are unwilling to back up the promises made, which isn't really a promise at all.

sparky · #**110** 07-08-2005, 07:27 PM

I went to two of these, and the results were mixed. The first one I had dinner, met some really cool people - one of whom is now one of my dearest friends so that is the best thing that came out of it !
The restaurant the after show was at was indeed a madhouse and a sweatbox. I love that pic of that horrible floral print dress ! Not that many people got to meet Stevie. I was lucky. Got to chat with her and she signed my Rhiannon print. Many people were not. It was kind of a mess.
The second one, like people have said, was much larger scale, and that whole balcony thing made me annoyed. It wasn't great PR to have the stars wave down from the balcony higher up to all the people who had shelled out a bunch of cash.
That being said, it was for a good cause, and that was really the point. If I had not met her the first time around, I may have been bitter about the second one. There was a strange feeling of edgy anticipation in the air, and then the stench of disappointment when everyone realized they really weren't going to get a second to meet the performers. I suppose if we had MOBBED them we may have had a chance, but it was way too crowded.
Didn't go to the last one. Too busy. And don't believe I will go to this one either.

sodascouts · #**111** 07-09-2005, 11:52 AM

BTW, anyone know of any hotel deals like they had in 2003 with the San somethingorother hotel?

glitter_fades · #**112** 07-09-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodascouts

BTW, anyone know of any hotel deals like they had in 2003 with the San somethingorother hotel?

The best deal for a nice hotel within walking distance of the Dodge Theatre is at the Wyndham Phoenix Downtown. $70-79 a night.
It's a 2 min. walk up Adams Street to the venue. It's a nice full service hotel. The Hyatt is also nearby but the Wyndham is a little closer to the venue and has a better deal that week. The Hyatt has a rate of $85 that week.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/PHXHT/main.wnt
50 East Adams Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Phone: 602-333-0000

http://phoenix.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml
122 North Second Street
Phoenix, Arizona, USA. 85004
Telephone: 602 252 1234

SuzeQuze · #**113** 07-09-2005, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly

I remember it sort of like Ricky too. I did not swarm her and stayed back. She left rather quickly, IMHO. She did spend alot of time accepting the award/gift thing. Another thing that I noticed was people getting back in line AFTER the met her. That pissed me off. It was a complete disorganized mess. I was disappointed but not at Stevie. She donated her time and talents to the cause and as far as I was concerned that was admirable. I never talked to this Geri personally and maybe if she promised me things, I would have been more angry. Considering she is not from Stevie's managment, right?, how is she really able to promise anything on Stevie's behalf anyway? I also have a heart condition so personally, I looked at the money for the ticket as a way to support a good cause and support a cause that was dear to Stevie.
To be quite honest, after the way things ran in 98, I was surprised Stevie agreed to do another one. It is her name on the line...to raise the money, to keep the donors happy, to put on a great show with great guests. Yes it is an excellent cause and it probably makes her feel great to do it but I bet she feels lots of pressure from the whole event too.

When she was accepting the award she seemed pretty aggravated. Like "enough, all I did was sing some songs, now I want to get to my fans so shut the hell up, lady!". That woman went on and on...

I considered asking for a refund but reconsidered quickly because it was for a good cause and many people in my family have suffered from heart problems.

On edit: It was a complete disorganized mess is right and the awful thing is it would have just taken a little planning to make it wonderful. No one was directing things or organizing fans or anything.

sodascouts · #**114** 07-09-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glitter_fades

The best deal for a nice hotel within walking distance of the Dodge Theatre is at the Wyndham Phoenix Downtown. $70-79 a night.
It's a 2 min. walk up Adams Street to the venue. It's a nice full service hotel. The Hyatt is also nearby but the Wyndham is a little closer to the venue and has a better deal that week. The Hyatt has a rate of $85 that week.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/PHXHT/main.wnt
50 East Adams Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Phone: 602-333-0000

http://phoenix.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml
122 North Second Street
Phoenix, Arizona, USA. 85004
Telephone: 602 252 1234

Wonderful! Thanks for the info!