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December 12, 2004

Thornwood Restaurant

Another year, another great party. A big THANK YOU is in order for all of you who paid your dues either prior to or at the party this year. With your help, we have been able to financially survive again for another year and lead toward better things this coming year. For everyone else, you really missed a great party!

All in all, we had approximately 80, give or take a few, people that attend this year's party. Dennis Spiegel acted as the host and did practically everything from making the reservations at the restaurant, to holding the raffle and auction. Kathleen was the Grand marshal for the raffle and really kept things going.

The food and the camaraderie of this great event is always fun, and the restaurant kept up with our hungry crowd. Can you believe that? Buffet style was a good way to go, and I personally enjoyed everything there including the Greek Chicken, mostachiolli, potatoes, and Italian beef. There was plenty of salad and deserts were in abundance. I can't imagine that anyone went away hungry. It was a little difficult getting the raffle going only because so many people were mulling around talking and having a great time. This is probably the one time during the year, where everyone gets the chance to really talk to their friends that they don't get to see very often. I'm sure the bar did great business and the waitress could hardly keep up with the demand for drinks.

This year we had many prizes, some for the non-pilot attendees as well as for the pilots. We acquired well over $1800.00 worth of prizes for the event with a $700.00 TCAS unit that was won by Jerry McWhorter, the $300.00 David Clark Head Set was won by Ernie. It was hard to keep track of the prizes this year, they were quite literally "flying" off the table and there were so many gifts that the whole group got a little tired. Donated gifts came in from David Clark corporation, Northwest Aviation, Northwest Flyers, AOPA, EAA, Sportys Pilot shop, Wag-Aero, Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant, Pilot Petes Restaurant, and Omega Restaurant. To break the monotony, Dennis started some exciting auctions with 3 custom aviation made Rubix Cube type coffee tables that went for about $100.00 each. You could feel the excitement in the air. NorthWestFlyers gift certificate was auctioned off to yours truly Randy Seiler, the highest bidder.

Our Association had fun, ate plenty of good food, had a few drinks, got to see many good friends, enjoyed an exciting auction and many won some extra great gifts! This is definitely the way to finish up a really memorable year. Thanks for a really great time! Happy Holidays everyone!