Holiday Halftime Show!

The last home game of 2011 the Colts played the Texans and the halftime show was brought to you by the Colts Cheerleaders.

Jr. Cheerleaders performed alongside of the Cheerleaders during this show. And we paid tribute to the best album that came out just in time for Christmas this year, thanks to Justin Bieber. Yes, you read that correctly; the Colts Cheerleaders got Bieber Fever this holiday season!!

Even Santa Claus and his elves joined us for this spectacular performance.
Watch the performance by clicking here!

Putting together a show like this always requires an addition Saturday (or two) at the office! Yours truly even found herself performing on the field during this show. Never in a million years did I think I would perform in front of thousands of people at Lucas Oil Stadium. But this very day, it most definitely happened!

For the first two songs, I was solely in charge of Jr. Cheerleaders' formations (just making sure they got to the right place at the right time!). The third and final song (Santa Claus is coming to town) I ran down to the 10 yard line and danced in front of the Jr. Cheerleaders so they had someone they could follow. If you look closely in the video, you may see me!

Considering this was our Christmas Game, we got festive! While all of the Cheerleaders were out at their morning practice, Heather and I hung stockings with care! In these stockings was a make-up bag, some festive candies, and DVDs of previous performances. Doesn't our locker room look lovely?

Since this was a Thursday night game, NFL Network aired the game live. A group of the Cheerleaders were asked to be a part of the show. I am always intrigued (and genuinely amazed) at what all takes to get a show on air. Here's a look at the pre-game filming that we did:

Christmas Caroling at Riley

It definitely was a once in a lifetime opportunity: On December 19, four cheerleaders, six football players, Mr. Irsay and a variety of other Colts employees, went caroling through the halls of Riley Hospital for Children.

My task this day: walk alongside of the guitar player, holding his music. But more importantly I was the one who chose the songs which we would grace these children with. And the award for the most popular song that day goes to: Jingle Bells. It was a safe choice considering its simple tune and the fact that it could be shortened to a single verse, or even better, just the chorus. Furthermore the less the players had to sing the better my ears were :) I only say this in good spirit! It truly was amazing to see guys like Justin Snow and Anthony Castanzo walking the halls on their day off, singing to these children. The smiles that formed in the faces of these children will forever be plastered in my memory.

How beautiful each and every one of these kids were. Forever I will be inspired by their strength.

Fall Frenzy!

It seems that too easily life can take over, and personal blogging can no longer remain routine. Yet, my love for photography and capturing life through images remains. So what better place to share them, than in this post, which I have titled Fall Frenzy!

It's a true blessing to be able to relive moments through images, some of my favorite fall memories from 2011 are as follows:

A trip to Brown County with Mom, Dad, Grandma White, and Clayton. They say no place is more beautiful than Brown County in the fall--I can attest to that fact.

Back in Goshen, Clayton and I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon carving pumpkins. First step: go the the pumpkin patch at Kercher's Orchard to pick out the prize winning gourds!

The finished products: a spooky ghost due and a chicken (guess whose is whose--It's not very hard when the chicken guy is one of the carvers)!

October 31 can always be celebrated by those who are young at heart (and technically speaking are still young)! We thoroughly enjoyed getting Halloween costumes around this year: a ladybug and lumberjack. We celebrated with a few friends in Goshen.

As the weather gets a bit chillier, nothing is more rejuvenating than a warm cup of coffee with a friend at The Brew (Goshen's local coffee shop). I have been quite blessed that most weekends when I return to Goshen, Bethany and I are able to catch up over a warm beverage.

On November 13, the Colts honored all of those who have served or still serve in the military (a NFL wide event). In light of this occasion, the Cheer Department was placed in charge of putting together a halftime show! With the help of 18 local dance teams, 100 Jr. Cheerleaders, the 42 Colts Cheerleaders, and almost 150 service men and women, we pulled it off. This photo shows how we ended.

This game Dad was also a part of the group accepting a check for IU Simon Cancer Center from the Colts.

And we surprised Mom, with a "Happy Birthday" game-day greeting (see the message board below the big screen)!

I truly enjoy baking and with more free time in the evenings, I find myself testing out new recipes. Just in time for Thanksgiving I found a Rice Krispy Treat recipe, which made these fun turkeys!

As November comes to a close, we see football season winding down as well--sadly because Sundays are never the same without football. Yet, I will never forget the days at the stadium when we are able to open the roof for brisk, fall day game!

Oh the simple joys of fall.

Saying Good-Bye to Grandpa

When an individuals earthly life ends, those who remain must find ways to cope.

It was November 25, when I had to say good-bye to Grandpa (the first of my grandparents to pass).

Grandpa had been living in a nursing home for four years at the time he suffered a mild stroke. Shortly thereafter his health took a turn for the worse. Never before have I sat alongside of an individual as they die. A powerfully draining week.

Yet, through the tough times, it provided a unique opportunity for The White Family to come together. We spent many late nights beside Grandpa's bed, both laughing and crying where some of the greatest memories surfaced.


Here's my absolute favorite photo, which was taken just a few days before his passing:

Dear Grandpa,
I love you! Forever I will cherish the summers I got to spend with you and grandma--our adventures at Lemon Lake and our many attempts at catching squirrels in your backyard. Because of who you were and all that you did, I embrace my love for the Game Show Network, afternoon naps, corduroy recliners, and most of all ice cream (or just my love for sweats in general). You will forever be a part of my life--I am me because of you! I can't wait to see you again soon!
Love Always,
Alicia

May you Rest In Peace, PJ. Until we meet again!

Veterans Day Game

November 13, 2011: a Sunday that was long and highly anticipated.

Every year, during the month of November, the NFL the honors veterans and active duty members of the military. The Colts' home game on the 13th against the Jaguars was the selected military appreciation game.

All games begin with a skit by our very own mascot, BLUE. But this games' skit was unique...we were all peeking out from the tunnel, trying watching it, and admittedly shed a few tears.

Photo Credit: Matt Bowen
Watch Blue's Big Surprise

BLUE rocks! Welcome Home, Army Specialist John Pezan!

After the skit, a pre-game full-field American flag presentation occurred (this happens at every home game during the playing of the National Anthem). Members of the military are invited to hold the edges of the flag, along with players, coaches and staff from both teams. When the words, "O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave," are sung, all those holding the flag begin to wave their arms, and the audience erupts in cheer.

Next in the program, was the Cheer Department's task for the game: a halftime show that paid tribute to the service men and women.

Not a seemingly huge deal, right? Wrong. We decided to invite a dozen local dance studios, over 100 members of the military (with all branches represented), our 100 Jr. Cheerleaders, and 42 Cheerleaders to be involved with the program. Our glorious show had 300+ people on the field for just under 6 minutes. Needless to say we had long Tuesday/Thursday night practices, and additional Saturday practices added in.

Needless to say, we decided to go for the 'WOW' factor"!

Take a look at our Halftime Performance

What made it worth it: upon conclusion of the performance we had almost everyone in the stadium on their feet, clapping and wiping tears from their eyes.

Of course none of this would have been possible without our remarkable choreographer, Michelle Allison.

"A Crucial Catch"

Throughout the month of October all aspects of the NFL turned pink. In support of the fight against breast cancer, the NFL ran the campaign: A Crucial Catch.

The Colts greeted the month of October with arms wide open at Pink Monday. On October 3, the canal was taken over with live music, limited edition pink posters, and simply by making all things pink at the Ohio Street basin on the Downtown Canal. This even includes pinking the canal...and I mean literally making the water of Indianapolis' Downtown Canal pink!


Unfortunately the Colts only had one home game during the month of October on the 9th. But we still had a lot of fun with it! The girls got pink jerseys, pink poms, pink earrings; quite honestly everything was pink that Sunday (even Blue)!



The most meaningful part of this day, was that Sue (Clayton's mom), who is a breast cancer survivor, was able to stand on the field during the pre-game show with 100s of other women fighting and beating this same disease. They held large pink ribbons and stars, celebrating their own lives and raising awareness for this important campaign.

What a beautiful way to help make a difference in breast cancer prevention.

Playground Build

This project is a true example of what it means to say that the Community Relations Department is "The Heart Behind the Horseshoe"! And in fact, it exemplifies that all those who work in the Colts Marketing Department believe in the power of giving back to the surrounding community.

On Tuesday, September 27, the Colts held their 4th Annual Playground Build! In 5 hours, 175 volunteers from the Colts, Lucas Oil Products, National Starch, Stonegate Mortgage, and the Northeast Indianapolis Community helped to build a playground at Joyce Kilmer School #69.

Prior to the day, there was very little on this 3,000 square foot plot of land:

All of the 175 volunteers did their part to help the build go smoothly. Heather and I assisted with Check-In and keeping organization within the food tent (breakfast was provided by Meijer and lunch from Pen Station!)

A majority of those who volunteered their time were involved with mulching, building the playground, painting, landscaping, and/or aiding to make any and all improvements that could be made to the school and at a nearby home.


Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:15 p.m. the day was a success! It honestly would not have been possible without each and every individual who was in attendance!

And of course, the final product (because it was hidden by all the volunteers in previous picture):Take a look at our day through video by clicking here!

Spontaneous Performance aka Flash Mob!!!

In Indianapolis, every Friday before a Sunday game is considered Blue Friday. In conjunction with this day, the Colts put on an interactive event for the fans, which is held at various locations around the Indianapolis area.

This particular Friday the event was held at Circle Center Mall, in downtown Indianapolis. Over the lunch hour, the food court was turned into Colts Mania! The usual aspects of this type of event are: cheerleader and alumni player autographs, giveaways and live music! (As you can see from the photo below the autograph table was situated right outside of Johnny Rockets-we really crammed ourselves into the food court!)

However, what made this Blue Friday different from any other in the past, was that it also included a surprise not known to many: the Colts Cheerleaders "Spontaneous Performance"!

Now, we called this a Spontaneous Performance, even though most people would classify it as a Flash Mob. We had to do this because Flash Mobs are associated with riots and are no longer welcome in public spaces. So legally, we were eh okay with out Spontaneous Performance.

The week leading up to the Spontaneous Performance, the girls used bits of practice time to mash together a few of their routines, so to form the final product. So around 12:15 p.m., when the live musicians were "taking a break," music began playing and the unidentifiable cheerleaders slowly added to the dance...

Watch this video, you'll see what I mean!
Click Here!

"Forever if Ever"

There are very few words that can give an accurate depiction of the evening spent at Conner Prairie for the "Concert With A Cause" performance of Jon McLaughlin and the Indianapolis Symphonic Orchestra. ((For those who don't know, Conner Prairie is an outdoor venue.))

Accordingly Clayton, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Juleen and I lucked out with 65 degree weather (especially considering it had been raining nonstop the past few days). We brought our lawn chairs and wine, a baguette, cheese, cherries, and grandma's cookies to enjoy our Saturday evening "dinner". We enjoyed each others' company and then as the sky began to turn varying shades of red, yellow, purple, and blue, Jon McLaughlin's majestic voice filled the air. It continued to do so till the sky was dark and crickets woke up. Seriously though, there were moments during this concert when the crowd was in absolute silence the crickets could be heard.

Jon McLaughlin is hands down my favorite artist-not only is he an Indiana native, but he writes moving lyrics that perfectly accompany his amazing voice.

My first return to GC as an alumnus...and a guest speaker

On Labor Day, when most offices are closed, Goshen College continues on with normal routine. As a student I always complained-we had to be the only school around who had classes this day. So this year, as a newly titled college grad, one would presume that I gladly took my day off from work and did absolutely nothing, right?...Wrong. On the 5th day of September, which we endearingly call Labor Day, I found myself in the Goshen College classroom in Newcomer Center.

Truth, I was in the classroom, but it was also true that I was not a customary classroom situation. I didn't come to this class to sit and learn, but rather I found myself at the front of the room, teaching... never in a million years would I have thought that just a few weeks into the new school year (aka just a few weeks after I had officially become an alumnus of Goshen College) that I would be speaking to sophomores, juniors and seniors in a Principles of Public Relations class from my "vast array of knowledge".

I speak the previous words with a hint of sarcasm, but in all honestly I was completely honored to be asked by one of my previous professors, Pat McFarland, to speak to her class. I was given the full 50 minutes to speak on my previous internship with IU Health Goshen and my current one with the Indianapolis Colts.

Going into the class I did not expect to have the entire time dedicated to presentation. Surprisingly (and luckily so), the time flew by and students were engaged in the session. I was very pleased that it was formatted as a question and answer period. More importantly, I was extremely impressed with students' questions and engagement of the topic at hand (my life as an intern!).

Good Ol' GC, wasn't sure that I would find myself saying this, but I am honored to call myself an alumnus from this school.

Friday I'm In Love

On the first Friday of September, the Colts held their Kickoff Luncheon! At this annual event, almost all of those individuals involved with the Colts organization gather to enjoy lunch together. So this means both football operations, marketing staff, and sponsors.

This year's luncheon was held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis-it's quite a luxurious building. Our event took place on the third floor in the Grand Ballroom. Over 100 tables were set up in this room, all facing a stage that had a head table for Bill Polian, Jim Irsay, Tom Zupancic, Coach Caldwell, the team's pastor and the guest speaker: Greg Gumbel. Take a look at the atmosphere:

My job for the event: as guests begun arriving I, along with four cheerleaders, greeted and directed attendees at the front entrance. We then headed upstairs just before the program was to begin. The cheerleaders were staged and ready to escort those seated at the head table and also stand at the tunnel where the players came out of before having a seat at their tables. Heather and I had a lot of fun with this as we "had" to stand back stage (or the entrance to the tunnel) and watch all the players pass by. Here's what the tunnel looked like, with Abbey leading Greg Gumbel to the main stage!


After all football personnel made it to their seats, we were allowed to go to ours and enjoy the program. I thoroughly enjoyed Gumbel's interview with the players, most notable Pat McAfee-he's just hilarious! During all of this, we enjoyed a three course meal consisting of a wedge salad, beef with sautéed vegetables all atop mashed potatoes and a rich chocolate torte. All said and done, this event was a wonderful culmination to a busy week of work!

Hanging out on Monument Circle!

On the first day of September my boss said to me... okay so it's not Christmas time yet, but the stores are beginning to act like it's closer than 3 months away! Red and green are almost overpowering the pumpkins for sale-how crazy! Do stores put decorations out for the holidays earlier and earlier each year, or rather is it that each year summer goes by quicker than the last?

At any rate, today we spent the hours around lunch time on Monument Circle for the 5th Annual Zup’s BBQ for Kid’s, benefiting the Children’s Bureau. Half of the circle and Meridian Street, just north of Washington, leading into the circle, were closed so that the only form of traffic allowed was pedestrian.

Colts fans and just those who happened to walk through the circle around the noon hour had the opportunity to purchase $10 tickets, which were good for their choice of BBQ from one of three booths--O’Charley’s, Famous Dave’s, and Dawson’s on Main.

Cheerleaders were there signing autographs and got to cheer along the dozen (or so) contestants who took part in the rib eating contest! What a sight to see-young and old alike, male and female, were attired with a black apron and sat down at a table stretched across the main stage to partake in the event. O’Charley’s provided a large dinner plate pilled heaping full of ribs for each contestant. With 5 minutes to eat as many ribs as possible, Joe Staysniak (Colts alumni player), ate the most. He cleaned 49 ribs to the bone. The fewest number eaten was 18.