May 4, 2016
Location:
TMAC, Waverly Place, Cary, NC
Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
TMAC (Taco Mac, a southeastern US restaurant chain) contacted us about doing Light Side vs. Dark Side beer flight events in both their Cary and Charlotte locations to celebrate May the 4th. TMAC's marketing team contacted us to see if we could make an appearance, with the agreement that we could choose a charity to which they would donate. The Cary group chose to raise money for NCSU's Turtle Rescue Team. Patrons were asked to drop the customer copy of their receipt in a special box as they left the restaurant, and TMAC totaled up the amount on all the receipts in the box at the end of the night and donated 10% of that amount to the designated charity.
Raleigh-area traffic turned out to be a huge pain as it always is, but our troopers fought rush hour frustration to make this mid-week troop a success. Curtis showed up first to scout out a good spot in the parking lot for suiting up. Brett, Seth, and Shanda served admirably as our TKs, with Shanda's friend Heather handling for us, and Brandon and I rounded out the group as a pair of officers.
While we were suiting up, we had a few people drive by and ask us what was going on, as well as one guy who pulled over and asked for a photo with the group. It's always a good sign when you're getting asked for photos before the troop even officially begins.
The crowd in the restaurant was fairly typical for a Wednesday, but with a smattering of Star Wars fans easily identified by their shirts and bags. We patrolled the restaurant, chatting with diners about the event and reminding them to please drop their receipt in the box on their way out. Many people had no idea the 501st Legion was a thing, so we spent some time explaining the group and its mission to anyone who asked. I handed out Imperial Citations to anyone drinking light-colored beers. Several members of the Turtle Rescue Team came out to see us as well, and they were very appreciative of our time and the fact that we had put this whole fundraising opportunity together for them.
We took a lot of pictures with diners and employees, and got some good high fives from kids who were more than a little surprised to see Stormtroopers at dinner. At one point someone put some money into the pool table to watch us play, and we learned that Stormtroopers have no better aim with a pool cue than they do with their blasters.
Many thanks to all who came out to make this mid-week troop a success, especially to those who made this a double troop day! The restaurant's manager was also very appreciative of us coming out, so I wouldn't be surprised if we hear from them again next year.
Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:
We raised funds for the NCSU Turtle Rescue Team, https://ncturtlerescueteam.org/
Event Length (Hours):
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM, 2+ hours
Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):
This event raised a total of $214 in direct funds for the NCSU Turtle Rescue Team.
Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Kat- Officer
2. Curtis - Tusken
3. Seth - TK
4. Brett - TK
5. Shanda - TK
6. Brandon - Officer
Handlers:
1. Heather Ray
Check out some of the event photos below:
Unable to speak in Galactic Standard, our resident Tusken must instead resort to alternate means of communication with TMAC patrons.
However, he does seem somewhat familiar with the local amusements.
Troopers and their commanding officer formulate a strategy for takeover of the restaurant.
The Tusken seems somewhat confused by this colorful holding cell for small animals.
Our invading force pauses to take a photograph with the locals. Fun fact: many of the employees in this photo had never seen Star Wars and had no idea if we were "dark" or "light" characters.
Our troopers decided they were tired of being on duty and wanted to try out this strange table-based game.
Unfortunately, they seemed to be no more accurate with pool cues than they are with their blasters.
The group's Lieutenant asks you to please not tell Lord Vader that she prefers Light Side beers.
Event requestor buying us dinner was an extra bonus! Had fun, and we had a lot of receipts at end of night. Can't wait to hear our total donation numbers.
