Game day morning started with a picture of Shannon and Clay in the back seat of the SUV (already posted) on their way to Aggieland. I talked to Scott just before they got there so we could meet and I could give them the parking pass. Once they parked in their spot, right next to the stadium, I went up and met Shannon and Clay and acted like I was just there to welcome them to their tailgating experience. They were amazed at how close their parking space was and I told them that I was sorry I couldn't get them a closer space - but there's a rule against parking on Kyle Field.
Shannon said "This is awesome! We may want to come from the tailgate and sit in the car during the game so we can really hear it!"
We then parted ways - they were taken by a prearranged ricshaw to the tailgate. I and my wife and parents made our way over to the tailgate at about 11:30. At that time, Shannon still had no idea of what was going to happen. Without her and Clay seeing us, I and the "Shannon Crew" began to plan the surprise. We had Thomas Campbell, the photographer; Alan (12thmanfactorag) and all of the great Ags tailgating there; Dallas from Aggieland Outfitters; representatives of the 12th Man Foundation; KBTX news; Jason Rose, who offered to exchange two dead-center Zone Club first-row tickets to Shannon and Clay, for ANY tickets, anywhere in the stadium; and Kazen Coffey and his adopted Haitian son, Betson, who received their tickets for the big game.
When ready, we asked the tailgaters next door to turn their music down and we brought Shannon and Clay and Scott and his family over. She met Kazen and Betson, then we presented her with the tickets, a check for $6200, sideline passes (thanks to Dallas of Aggieland Outfitters), a portrait gift certificate from Sarah Toth, photographaphy by Thomas Campbell (picture of Shannon and Clay with the yell leaders, on the sidelines, at the presentation), the use of the rickshaw (thanks to David Poling) to transport them around through the day, dinner at the Shipwreck Grill (courtesy of Wade, the owner) and a $250 shopping spree at Aggieland Outfitters (courtesy of Dallas), a giftbag and more sideline passes from Rachel Dohmann of the Texas A&M Foundation; and the assurance of another check next week of at least $5000 because donations kept pouring in.
We also presented her with a letter from all of her Aggie friends and family, telling her that she's the embodiment of the Aggie Spirit. After the presentation, Shannon and Clay were taken by ricshaw to Aggieland Outfitters, to Kyle Field for the sideline photos and after a great game, they enjoyed dinner at Shipwreck Grill.
It was a memorable day - and it could not have happened without the overwhelming support that came in such a short amount of time. We received money from someone in Korea; a bartender in Tennessee whose friend is an Aggie who walked in Thurs night and handed money to the bartender, telling him "please take this and send a paypal transfer for this amount to this address"; James "... I saw the story on reddit...happy to help! James, the University of Texas"; the countless Hokies who "are supporting the Aggies...have a great time"; the mom who wanted the money to represent her two kids, classes of 2013 and 2016; people who grew up in Shannon's home town; and those who went to her high school.
To everyone involved....God Bless, Thanks and Gig 'em!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk_SqWX4TdQSorry for the sound - Lot of people around and basically had to shout the presentation so people could here. Video begins sideways. Much better video's coming from other people but wanted to get this on.
[This message has been edited by oldarmy1 (edited 9/14/2013 11:41p).]