What IS Cigar PEG?
Welcome to the Cigar PEG blog! For those of you who stumbled into this blog without knowing us, the Cigar PEG is a 501(c)3 charity that raises money for various causes, including the NSA Foundation, Laura’s Hope, and the Long QT Foundation. Our biggest fund-raising activity each year is an auction party we have near the annual National Speakers Association National Convention (although we are not part of, or even afiliated with the NSA). Cigar PEG is the largest contributor to both the NSA Foundation and Laura’s Hope, and has donated over $250,000 to charities so far.
If you are a professional speaker, you should know that the Cigar PEG party is one of the premier networking events in the industry, and is attended by some of the most successful speakers in the world, as well as suppliers and speakers’ bureaus.
August 10, 2008 at 7:28 pm
The Cigar PEG Annual Party and Auction is a MUST event for me. Great people, wonderful ambiance and a marvelous time – and all for good causes. Ed and his band of merry pranksters make raising money for good causes great fun. If I’m there, I’m there!
August 10, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I totally support Ed Rigsbee with his fundraising efforts! He does this function tirelessly, with no personal return for all of the time he gives. Every year I donate my time and expertise to participate in his BureauMatch function and I also have been an auction “product” (Victim–teasing here!) to also raise money, where speakers donate to the Cigar PEG and in return, get valuable time with speakers bureaus, along with their sage advice to assist their careers.
The “cigar” in this group’s name is misleading. Yes, there may be a fun function for the smokers out there. But many nonsmokers participate in Ed’s very fun and fulfilling Cigar PEG events! Your money goes to a great and meaningful charitable cause, and I highly recommend participating in Cigar PEG or donating to the group, if the spirit moves you!
August 12, 2008 at 10:20 pm
At my first NSA Convention in 2007, I was told (by many people) to join the Cigar PEG if I wanted to maximize my convention experience; and boy were they right. Not only was I contributing to some wonderful charities, I was able to build friendships with some of the most awesome speakers in NSA and the IFFPS. Many kudos and thanks to the Cigar PEG board!
August 13, 2008 at 3:29 am
Cigar Peg was a wonderful, fun night where my wife and I laughed until we cried. We met many new friends and participated in an excellent fundraiser. I highly recommend joining.
August 13, 2008 at 5:32 pm
[...] NSA Conference would be complete without the parties Ed Rigsbee organizes for the Cigar PEG. Their new blog will keep you up-to-date on what happened in New York as well as plans for the [...]
August 14, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Ed, congratulations to you and all the team for creating Cigar PEG. One of the reasons so many German speakers attend Cigar PEG is that all the early adopters (last year in SAn Diego we were 18 (and probably all of us were on board of the Midway) told all the newbies to NSA (this year 25% of all GSA members – around 70 people were in NYC) that Cigar PEG is critical to an NSA Convention. If you miss Cigar PEG, the experience is not complete. And it’s all for charity – how much better can it get? Exactly!
August 14, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Everybody lets their hair down at the Cigar PEG gatherings – even those of us that don’t have much left! Honestly, the Cigar PEG seems to reflect the spirit of so many NSA members that love to get involved. It helps us keep it real. Hey, there’s an idea. Looking forward to next year. You guys do a stand-up job.
August 15, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Ed, Robert, Kirstin, Avish, Laurie and the rest of the amazing team,
Well done! Another great party, another great opportunity to meet other fabulous Cigar Peg members and an awesome fundraising effort – you all did an outstanding job and so many people benefit from your generosity and tireless effort behind the scenes. Well done team, we really appreicate you! Take care,