06-30-2009 - Neil’s Birthday, Recap

by Laurie Au

A big mahalo to the 1,200 friends and supporters who helped Neil celebrate his birthday last night!

The event was broadcast live on the Internet by our social media team, allowing our friends on the neighbor islands the chance to see and hear the experience. You can see some of the night's pictures on Neil's Flickr page. People even sent Neil emails from inside the ballroom, like this one...

Happy Birthday Neil!

Great event... novel approach ( who else would have thought about a campaign involving REAL people)!

Thanks for including me, my family and friends.

And this one...

Happy birthday Congressman! This is a lovely birthday party and I'm ecstatic to be a part of abercrombie for governor. I believe in you : )

Aloha!

We heard powerful and personal stories from new faces of this campaign, including Farrington High School teacher Geoffrey Au, union leader Reggie Castaneras, business and community leader Vaughn Vasconcellos and social media networker Laurie Cicotello.

Reflecting on their time spent together campaigning for Barack Obama’s presidential race, Hawaii-born actress Kelly Hu, pledged to do whatever it takes to help Neil get elected for governor.

In a passionate speech that ended the night, Neil spoke about his commitment to the people of Hawaii, his dedication to this campaign, and his desire to change the negative perception surrounding Hawaii politics and the pessimism that is sinking into Hawaii. His main message: We can and must work together.

Last night’s birthday party was a great way to showcase the mission we have set for the next year and a half of this campaign -- to make it personal, fun and collaborative. As Neil said in his speech, this campaign is about YOU. Please share with us your story and become a vital part of this movement of new voices, attitudes and approaches.


Honorary Campaign Co-Chair, Judge Walter Heen


Me and my co-host Becky Soon


Kelly Hu and Neil

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Rail at risk: Yesterday, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he is "a step closer" to running for Governor. To run... http://bit.ly/auA861

Everyone is an Organizer: “This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.” ... http://bit.ly/aXlicA

Everyone is an Organizer: “This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.” T... http://bit.ly/aXlicA

Live interview in a couple of minutes (@neilabercrombie live at http://ustre.am/hiD)

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.neilbercrombie.com

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/neil-abercrombie

Broadcasting live now! See me at http://www.neilabercrombie.com

Broadcasting live now! Neil Abercrombie HQ Grand Opening at http://www.neilabercrombie.com

I have shared an audio update using #Cinch, check it out: http://bit.ly/cErEm4

Democratic Party Caucus Tonight: Tonight you have an opportunity to participate in politics at its most local, gra... http://bit.ly/d3qbGX

I have shared an audio update using #Cinch, check it out: http://bit.ly/dsogjy

Mayor Frank Fasi service program http://ow.ly/i/Cx2

I'm at Honolulu Hale, remembering Mayor Frank Fasi.

Restoring Trust: Yesterday, on his first day after formally leaving Congress, Neil Abercrombie filed his nominatio... http://bit.ly/aAs7dt

Rescheduled Grand Opening of Headquarters this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m.: We postponed the grand opening of Ab... http://bit.ly/bkJY1C