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Hallow-Baloo 2019 with Geeks of Grandeur: A Great Distraction

Last Updated on October 30, 2019 by Michael Brockbank

We attended the Hallow-Baloo 2019 party hosted by Geeks of Grandeur at Schomp Mini in Highlands Ranch. And although I really didn’t feel like going because of recent events, I’m truly glad I went. It was quite therapeutic for me in a variety of ways.

It’s a reminder that life is full of incredible instances of which you’re proud and glad to experience.

Having a Good Time at Hallow-Baloo 2019

This is the second annual event held by Geeks of Grandeur, and the second time we went to support the charity. Although I was more in the mood to party last year, it was still a great experience.

For one thing, we actually sat down to play a game or two on the Nintendo Switch. It was the first and only time I’ve ever played the system.

Mobile Nintendo Switch
Mobile Nintendo Switch

I’m more of a PC/Xbox fan.

Why Do We Go Every Year?

Hallow-Baloo is something we quickly grew to love. It’s something we look forward to all year while eagerly awaiting the moment Geeks of Grandeur posts ticket information on Facebook.

Schomp Mini

Though, I would still think it would be fun to also include a Christmas party of some kind.

So, what are the highlights of going to Hallow-Baloo for us?

To Show Support for a Charity We Love

Any charity that benefits children in any fashion is one we can fully get behind. It’s why we do what we can all year long to help Extra Life.

Geeks of Grandeur helps by bringing smiles to faces of little ones while being cooped up in a hospital room. With the mobile gaming carts created by GoG, kids can be entertained while they face illnesses of all kinds.

And we find it fitting that both of our favorite charities center around helping hospitalized children from different viewpoints.

The Silent Auctions

Silent Auctions

One of the things Colorado Plays spends money on is the silent auctions. And at Hallow-Baloo 2019, we won a bit more than we did last year.

A portion of the money generated by Colorado Plays, whether it’s through ad revenue on the blog or income from Twitch, we use at the silent auctions to help support the charity. Of course, we use the money for other things as well.

And I do chip in personal money to bid on various things on the auction table.

The tables had some really nice items that I wish I had more money to bid on. One that stuck out the most for me was the 50 Years of James Bond picture and the one of Captain Kirk from Star Trek.

But, not all auctions had a $350 starting bid. A lot of them were more reasonable when compared to our budget.

Reasonable Auctions

Last year, we were able to win a year’s worth of coffee from Pablo in Denver. At Hallow-Baloo 2019, we won quite a bit more.

The biggest ticket item we won this year was a collection of wine and hand-painted glasses with a 3D printed bottle stopper displaying the Star Fleet logo from Star Trek.

Wine Bottles

Meeting New People

One of the things I want to do is get out more and mingle. I spend far too much time at my desk, and going to events like this helps me get out of the house.

It’s a nice feeling to hang out with so many people who have a similar interest in one setting. I’ve met some great people so far, and look forward to meeting more in the future.

Hallow-Baloo Patrons

Every year, we meet some new people and see some familiar faces. For instance, this year I met a gentleman who teaches people how to do cosplay costumes. This is something I am totally interested in doing, especially given what I want to be next year.

In fact, I might do a review on his site in the near future as it fits with what Colorado Plays does in general.

An Open Bar

The open bar is a nice touch to a gathering like this. This is especially true given how introvert I am. A bit of alcohol helps me unwind and open up a bit more. Which is nice when I would like to make new friends or approach someone to strike up a conversation.

And I really enjoy the Bacardi “Zombie” they were serving. It’s Bacardi with Hawaiian Punch? I think? To me, it tasted like Bacardi and blue raspberry. Whatever goes into it, I have an affinity for the drink.

Hallow-Baloo is an adult party. And it’s nice to spend time with people closer to my own age. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. But there are days when you want the company of someone other than a teenager.

Catered Sandwiches

At Hallow-Baloo 2019, Geeks of Grandeur provided hoagie-style sandwiches. So, you could get something in your stomach other than alcohol.

The food smelled great, but I am still trying to lose the last of my weight and was at my calorie limit during the party. This is especially true after the drinks and snacking on some of the Halloween candy available at the tables.

In retrospect, I really should have eaten a sandwich.

The Positive Energy

Geeks Of Grandeur Swag
Geeks Of Grandeur Swag

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why I forced myself to go this year is because of the positive energy. This month, I lost a couple of people and was having a hard time dealing with it. But I knew Hallow-Baloo 2019 would be something I needed at the time.

And I was right.

Kenny and Carleen of Geeks of Grandeur are two of the most caring people I’ve met. When I told them what happened, both gave me a hug and genuinely cared about my well-being.

Between these two amazing people and the patrons of the party, it was just a positive experience all around. And I look forward to attending the next one because of this flow of good energy.

Didn’t Really Dress Up This Year

I was saving up to do something fun this year for Hallow-Baloo 2019, but recent events tapped my bank accounts. It was all I could do to save for the auctions. Needless to say, I really didn’t get all gussied up this year like I wanted.

Dressing Up
Sam and I in our costumes.

However, I did remember that I had Deadpool pajamas in my closet that I got for last Christmas. They were a bit tight back then, but since I’ve lost more than 10 pounds, the pajamas actually felt nice.

And it was something more that fit the Halloween spirit. And yes, I was also wearing Deadpool socks.

I Need to Be More Interactive

One thing I learned about myself over this past year is that I need to be more interactive. Whether it’s social media or in person, I don’t go out of my way to really engage people.

And I should.

I am missing out on all kinds of fun and exciting experiences like Hallow-Baloo 2019. Personally, I really don’t think I do enough to help charities like Geeks of Grandeur because I am such an introvert.

I’ll have to see what I can do to change that.

Can’t Wait for Next Year!

Even though I’ve had a terrible run of the last few weeks, going to Hallow-Baloo 2019 brightened my week. It reminded me of why I built this site and do what I do. And I can’t wait for next year’s party.

This time, though, I’ll have my costume ready long before October rolls around.

Michael Brockbank
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Michael Brockbank

Michael developed ColoradoPlays to help various charities through his favorite pastime. Since then, the blog and Twitch channels have donated several hundred dollars to Extra Life, Geeks of Grandeur and Operation Supply Drop, to name a few.