Game day @ Veteran’s 8/8/2026

We didn’t have droves of people this time around, but that was mostly my own design and strategic decision to keep the event more intimate. I had a volunteer registry snafu that delayed marketing to nearly last minute, which ultimately affected our outreach efforts. This meant that we were unable to promote adequately and attract a larger crowd, but I felt that having a smaller group might allow for deeper connections and more meaningful interactions among attendees. Despite the challenges, I believe this approach can lead to a unique experience that fosters stronger relationships and encourages a vibrant atmosphere for those who did attend.

I plan to do better this month on marketing as we have a volunteer in place now, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the team. This new support will allow us to explore various strategies and reach out to a broader audience effectively. Speaking of which, a huge shout out to Mike M., who hosted the game gathering this month; his dedication to hosting such enjoyable events not only fosters community spirit but also helps us engage with our audience in a fun and interactive way. His efforts truly make a difference in boosting participation and collaboration among our members.

Concurrently, I am considering moving the game events back to Fort Myers. The cons of hosting remote events are outweighing the pros, as the logistics and challenges associated with organizing these gatherings from a distance have become increasingly burdensome. Also, frankly speaking, there was a bit of an outcry from the Lehigh crew that there were rather few gaming options available in the area, which added a feeling of necessity. Unfortunately, those that put out that call are not really attending; they seem to have lost interest, so I feel like I am going to a lot of effort for very little reward. This lack of engagement makes it hard to justify the time and energy spent on planning events that do not attract significant participation. I do not wish to be hasty, though, as a lot of effort would be wasted if I simply quit the Lehigh venue without giving it a fair chance. Plus, it’s a bit early in the game to fade away now, considering the potential for growth if more people decide to join in over time. I’d rather not be a victim of the “sunk cost” theory, which often leads people to cling to unsuccessful endeavors simply because they have invested so much in them already. Instead, I want to approach this situation with a balanced perspective, weighing the potential benefits of returning to Fort Myers against the attachment I feel to the current venue.

A move such as this will require much prayer and supplication on my part, as I navigate the challenges ahead with humility and faith. I feel that the mission of attacking food insecurity would be substantially more successful here, given the ability to collect not only non-perishable food items, but monetary donations as well. With this move, I could provide more to my potential followers, including a variety of snacks, refreshing drinks, and even lunch, all at an affordable rate that doesn’t compromise quality. This will not only attract attendees, but also foster a sense of community. I’d still need volunteer help to do it, as collaboration and teamwork will be essential in ensuring that our efforts are sustainable and effective in the long run. Together, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone’s needs are met, and hope is restored.