BajaNomad

7th Annual Baja Nomad Dia de Reyes Toy Drive, January 19, 2013

 Pages:  1  2

DENNIS - 1-3-2013 at 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
There is a company in Phoenix, Sleep America, that is donating 5 boxes full of toys for our toy drive, we just need to go get them. Is anyone coming from that area to San Diego that could bring them for us? We will do the smuggling ;)



Or perhaps coming south through Tecate and can drop them off with me at a place of your convenience. From there, I can get them back up to Ferna.

fdt - 1-3-2013 at 02:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS


Or perhaps coming south through Tecate and can drop them off with me at a place of your convenience. From there, I can get them back up to Ferna.

That would be great. I don't want to get anyone in trouble with bringing across so many toys.
Another would be if someone could pick up the toys in Phoenix and get them closer for us to get, like Calexico or El Centro maybe?
Hey, even Yuma would be great and I could visit Oso

fdt - 1-3-2013 at 02:04 PM

Thanks Santiago ;)
Saludos,
Flowers

fdt - 1-5-2013 at 01:25 AM

That is fantastic!
Muchisisisisimas gracias a todos!

Ateo - 1-7-2013 at 10:47 AM

Bump.

Wasn't able to drop off anything last week as planned...............but those Toys R Us eGift cards were so easy to do!! Check your email.

fdt - 1-7-2013 at 07:30 PM

Thank you Ateo, got it!

Ateo - 1-7-2013 at 09:23 PM

Thanks for what you do fdt. We hope to make it down for the toy drive but in case we don't - THANKS.

fdt - 1-8-2013 at 02:57 PM

Thanks

BajaNomad - 1-10-2013 at 11:03 AM

When is the last possible time items can be delivered to the Baja Bound office in Downtown San Diego?

Thx.

fdt - 1-10-2013 at 04:31 PM

because of the nature of the event, which is not like a tossing at the crowds a bunch of toys, but each toy is individually wrapped and labeled for a specific boy or girl, the sooner we have them, the better.
We also have to smuggle them across and that is one of the most time consuming things of all this.
So, the last day to get toys to Baja Bound is Friday the 18th and they close at 5.
We have had toys come on the day of the event by those joining us and we've had wrapping paper ready for that but we would need to know in advance so we can be ready, this also takes up a lot of time, since it's last minute and there are other things to attend to that very same day.

fdt - 1-10-2013 at 06:05 PM

We need toys, dolls, bikes, etc. Please help.

Retireded - 1-11-2013 at 07:42 AM

I have a guitar for some kid who wants to learn. In El Sauzal, don't know for sure I'm going to be able to get to TJ in time with it. Anyone going that way want to pick it up and deliver it? u2u is best.

woody with a view - 1-11-2013 at 08:28 AM

we'll oass by you heading north on the 18 or 19th. prolly too late if someone else can't do it i'll u2u on the way north.

Retireded - 1-11-2013 at 08:40 AM

Thanks Woody,
I may be able to go one day soon, but right now having pain issues and can't walk or drive much at all. Od age ain't for sissies, sure glad I'm not old yet but gettin' there faster than I like.

fdt - 1-11-2013 at 08:46 AM

Thank you both

BajaGeoff - 1-11-2013 at 12:13 PM

A friend just called to say he is shipping a box down to the office today.

We can do this Nomads!

Any idea of the number of toys we still need Ferna?

fdt - 1-11-2013 at 02:13 PM

We still need many, many more, I'll have a count soon, I'm picking up some more today in La Mesa and we still need to get the ones from Phoenix somehow.

fdt - 1-12-2013 at 03:39 AM

PLEASE SOMEONE

There is a company in Phoenix, Sleep America, that is donating 5 boxes full of toys for our toy drive, we just need to go get them. Is anyone coming from that area to San Diego that could bring them for us? We will do the smuggling ;)
This is a great opportunity but we need help in getting them closer.
Please, someone coming from the Phoenix area to San Diego or close to?
We can help with gas moneys

Free transportation for the 7th Annual Baja Nomad Dia de Reyes Toy Drive

fdt - 1-12-2013 at 07:13 PM

For those interested in attending the 7th annual toy drive in Tijuana, Mexicoach is offering free transportation and a fully bilingual guide (me).
The starting point is the Tourist Terminal located on Revolucion Avenue betwwn 6th and 7th street at 9:30 am Saturday, january 19th.
Please confirm via U2U or email.
There will be plenty of food and fun for all!

Retireded - 1-12-2013 at 07:46 PM

Is there secure parking available?

fdt - 1-12-2013 at 08:03 PM

There is private public parking right across the street

Retireded - 1-12-2013 at 08:25 PM

Great, We have been planning on trying to attend, bur secure parking was a concern. We will probably c u there. It's a great thing you are doing, and we would love to share in it in some small way.

fdt - 1-12-2013 at 08:57 PM

Thanks Retirered, if you'd like you can leave you car in our house and we can go from there.

Retireded - 1-12-2013 at 09:05 PM

That sounds like a hard offer to pass up. We'll have to talk more later.

fdt - 1-13-2013 at 12:35 PM

What about the toys in Phoenix? Anyone? Please?

fdt - 1-15-2013 at 10:50 AM

Yes, we are running out of time. I'ts this Saturday!

fdt - 1-16-2013 at 06:48 PM

Very important:

Who is joining us from Baja Nomad?

fdt - 1-16-2013 at 07:35 PM

Anyone?

Ken Cooke - 1-16-2013 at 09:22 PM

Fernando - I'm on the fence at the moment, because our friend Melissa (RIP) family is visiting in town, and Leidys wants to spend as much time with them as possible, as they will be leaving on Monday morning.

I don't want to leave my Wife since she does not drive/have transportation, but I also want to come down for the day. Not sure at the moment...

BajaNomad - 1-16-2013 at 09:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
Very important:

Who is joining us from Baja Nomad?


x3

Retireded - 1-16-2013 at 11:21 PM

My wife and I will be there.

fdt - 1-17-2013 at 08:23 AM

Excellent. We'll see you there, looking forward to meeting you.

fdt - 1-17-2013 at 02:45 PM

The 7th annual Baja nomad Dia de eyes Toy Drive is this saturday. We have now downsized the number of children to 1,270, it's still a whole lot more than we've ever had.
he event this year will be held at the Tijuana Municipal Auditorium.
We have 21 buses lined up that will be bringing the children from the diferent areas of east Tijuana, plus the Mexicoach tour bus, in all we will have well over 2,000 people there.
The Municipal Auditorium, besides housing both of Tijuana's basketball teams, The Cosmos and The Zonkeys, is also were wrestling matches and boxing events are held.


For the kids entertainment we have the confirmation of Querubin the Clown from Los Angeles,




There will be a musical group and same as last year face paintings

And we have arranged to have a boxing ring installed and the 5 times featherweight boxing champ Manuel "Mantecas" Medina http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Medina_(boxer)


along with other boxers will be having exhibition fights for and with the kids.
Of course, we will also have piņatas, the food and the gifts.
So, it's going to be great. We really hope you can join us.
Thank you all for making this possible.
Fernando y familia





[Edited on 1-17-2013 by BajaNomad]

Ateo - 1-17-2013 at 04:30 PM

I was planning on coming but just can't do it time-wise. Good luck!

BajaGeoff - 1-17-2013 at 04:58 PM

We had a couple deliveries and some visitors today. Mr. Nomad himself, Doug Means stopped by the office with several bags of toys. We also had another mail delivery from the "Super Secret Santa" who has played a large part in making sure there are enough toys to go around. Fernando also just stopped in with his family to pick up another load of goodies as well. We are getting close, but we still need more toys! Dig deep Nomads!

David K - 1-17-2013 at 06:03 PM

I wish you great success with the event Fernando!

fdt - 1-18-2013 at 08:42 AM

The toy drive is tomorrow and we're still like 200 toys short.

You can send egiftcards from toys r us.

Or we have a paypal acct fernando@vivabajacalifornia.com

And for those interested in attending the event tomorrow morning, could you please confirm. Mexicoach once again is helping us with the event transportation and we will start at the tourist terminal on Revolucion between 6th and 7th in Tijuana at 9:00am.
saludos y gracias
Fernando y familia

fdt - 1-18-2013 at 09:46 AM

Anyone else joining us?

Ford - 1-18-2013 at 04:39 PM

I hope you guys have a very successful year! Did you get my boxes from OnTrac? I tried to post a pic but I cant figure it out :) I can open a corona with my wedding ring but cant figure how to post a pic!

fdt - 1-18-2013 at 04:42 PM

Yes Ford;
I knew it was yours when I saw the label, mil gracias.
You've been saying you'll join us someday on a toy drive.
Saludos
Fernando

Ford - 1-18-2013 at 04:47 PM

I know! Now that my kids are 10, 7, and 5 I think we must do it! All of them are in Spanish Immersion School so it would be great practice for them!
You are an amazing person doing amazing work and look forward to someday meeting you in person!!!

fdt - 1-18-2013 at 05:00 PM

I asked Sofia (11) yesterday if she would be doing toy drives when she grows up and she did'nt hesitate in answering No, it's to much trouble. So go figure.
This year it has really been overwelming(sp)

fdt - 1-18-2013 at 07:27 PM

OMG, looks like we're gona make it. We might have to modify the menu a bit, like spaguetti with beef but it will happen!
Kids love spaguetti.
This has been a good one for sure but it only makes us better prepared for next time.
Seems like you created a monster ferna. Dennis

Retireded - 1-18-2013 at 07:53 PM

Just curious, What time will the doors open? is there any kind of program or schedule of events? We are driving from El Sauzal and have not much idea of where we are going. I'm sure we'll find it,, but it would help to know more about timing. As things stand, I'm planning to leave here about 8 a.m., but that can change if needed. Also I will be bringing the guitar I promised. Sorry I was unable to get it to you sooner, but it will be there. I will try to throw in an electronic tuner and a neck strap with it.
The boxing is an added attraction. My wife, Merry, managed boxers in the San Jose Ca. area back in the 1970s. We both think this a really great thing you are doing and look forward to being there.

BajaNomad - 1-18-2013 at 08:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Retireded
Just curious, What time will the doors open? is there any kind of program or schedule of events?



Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
For those interested in attending the 7th annual toy drive in Tijuana, Mexicoach is offering free transportation and a fully bilingual guide (me).
The starting point is the Tourist Terminal located on Revolucion Avenue betwwn 6th and 7th street at 9:30 am Saturday, january 19th.

Retireded - 1-18-2013 at 08:05 PM

Great, BN, See u there.

BajaNomad - 1-18-2013 at 08:09 PM

We will be at the Mexicoach station on Revolucion by 9:30am if anyone else wants to meet us there.

We'll probably have breakfast in Chula Vista, IB, San Ysidro, or Tijuana beforehand. Let me know if anyone else wants to meet for breakfast, or has a recommendation for a breakfast location. Perhaps breakfast burritos at a Bol Corona?




[Edited on 1-19-2013 by BajaNomad]

DENNIS - 1-18-2013 at 08:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
Seems like you created a monster ferna. Dennis


:lol: You know I meant that in a nice way. :saint:

BajaNomad - 1-18-2013 at 08:54 PM

Gift wrapping going on in Tijuana right now:


BajaNomad - 1-18-2013 at 08:56 PM

My bad... thought it was right now, but that was last night apparently.

:rolleyes:

fdt - 1-19-2013 at 01:46 AM

Hey, don't worry, we're still at it and it's already tomorrow. There's still a lot more left to do.











fdt - 1-19-2013 at 01:49 AM

Is there no end to something like this?
We're sorting them by buses, 21 of them OMG, total madness

BajaBlanca - 1-19-2013 at 11:08 AM

I want to be there next year. You are far but we shall just have to deal with it!

This looks like a lot of work for such a worthy cause.

God Bless You. and everyone helping you.

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 07:22 PM

Busy day...

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 07:24 PM

Busy day...

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 07:32 PM

Busy day...

Retireded - 1-19-2013 at 07:34 PM

I agree with BajaBlanca, God bless all who worked to make this event happen. I had the good fortune, along with my wife, Merry, to attend today and WHAT A JOB!!! So many children (and parents) with such smiles was inspiring. I plan to attend again next year and if I can be of help in any way, I'll be proud and happy. I have seen similar events in other places, but nothing of this magnitude. My hat is off to Fernando and all who helped. Great job.

David K - 1-19-2013 at 07:36 PM

Thanks Doug and a 'great job' to Ferna!

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 07:39 PM

Busy day...

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 07:41 PM

Busy day...

BajaBlanca - 1-19-2013 at 08:06 PM

soooooooooooooooooo many kids !

I am sure there were kids for whom this was the best day all year !

way to go.

BajaNomad - 1-19-2013 at 08:12 PM

SOME of the soccer balls (in the morning before the event). These were *incredibly* popular btw.

fdt - 1-20-2013 at 06:23 PM

Thank you

fdt - 1-20-2013 at 08:07 PM

What an experience. What started out as an idea of having some 20 - 30 kids around 8 years ago really went full blast this year with over 2000 atendees, between children and adults.
It was not the same. Seems like you created a monster ferna. Dennis is not an understatement and yes it was different.
I guess it's a mayor growth spurt that we suffered. It was the most stressful of all toy drives we've done. Yes, there were enough toys, yes, there was more than enough food for all but (in contrast) I realize that going from a max of 450 or so people to 2,000+ is not just a " no hay problema situation".
Dennis also said that this way we learn and are better and more prepared for next time.
I guess that since I'm looking at it from the back of the house, I'm being more critical than someone that is looking at it from the front of the house like Retireded who was attending for the first time
Quote:
Originally posted by Retireded
I had the good fortune, along with my wife, Merry, to attend today and WHAT A JOB!!! So many children (and parents) with such smiles was inspiring. I plan to attend again next year and if I can be of help in any way, I'll be proud and happy. I have seen similar events in other places, but nothing of this magnitude. My hat is off to Fernando and all who helped. Great job.

It all happened; We had the event in the Municipal Auditorium, we had the 5 times world champ Manuel "Mantecas" Medina with his exhibition fights for the kids to enjoy, we had the piņatas and the clown and the face painting and the entertainers, the transportation for all. It was just huge.
I thank you all, for making this possible, for believing in this and for your trusting this crazy mexican that proudly takes your name "BajaNomad" and does the best he can to represent you all on this.
Thank you again and again and again.
I wont mention names this time because this was very big, but (there's that word again) Secret Santa, Mark, Woody, BajaGringo, Ford, Wayne, Ateo, The Compliance Guys, bajasedoso, bajastruk, Santiago, Mr Bredstrand, Tommy and Lory, Duane, Larry, the beautiful people at Baja Bound, Mexicoach and everyone else, Yes, you to Retireded, you're all just the greatest.

DENNIS - 1-20-2013 at 08:26 PM

Enjoy your victory and success, Ferna. You've earned that much and more.
Then......start getting ready for next year. :yes:
Have you considered enlarging your staff? Perhaps it's time.

fdt - 1-20-2013 at 08:47 PM

Maybe. But (there's that word again), it's always been just us and the volunteers.

BajaGeoff - 1-23-2013 at 12:31 PM

Great job Ferna! I wish we could have been there. I know how hard you and your family worked to make this event happen in the face of a lot of adversity. Congrats on a job well done!

fdt - 1-26-2013 at 01:11 PM

Sorry for the delay, here are some pics of the event and I'm trying to get ahold of a man that took some video and see if I can edit something.


One of our bathrooms was full of soccer balls and I got in and it made me feel like a kid in a ball pit



here we're loading up the bus with toys







And off we go to the auditorium





When we arrived at the auditorium, 2 groups of scouts were waiting to help us unload the bus







fdt - 1-26-2013 at 01:14 PM

Everyone helps





fdt - 1-26-2013 at 01:21 PM

Inside it's full of kids



And the gifts start getting organized














Then the givaway


Here are the giant piņatas

fdt - 1-26-2013 at 11:39 PM

Retireded givin away the guitar to a young man that realy wanted it and played some tunes for Ed and his wife





[Edited on 1-27-2013 by BajaNomad]

Ateo - 1-27-2013 at 07:28 AM

What a great job fdt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for doing it!

fdt - 1-28-2013 at 10:01 AM

Thanks but it was all of your contributions that made this even possible. We are just the vehicle.
Thank you all.
Fernando

BajaBlanca - 3-30-2013 at 04:58 PM

I hadn't seen the photo of the boy getting the guitar !

We need to start collecting gifts earlier in the year.

Sounds like the balls were a success and boy, that is pretty easy to get.

Incredible how huge this event is. Congrats.
 Pages:  1  2