Ahoy Mates! All Aboard For The Raffle Cruise

Capt. Ron’s Rotary Crew proved both themselves, and our Rotary Club, good mariners even on the dry land. They delivered a cargo of enjoyment and treasure…both for attendees who won the prizes, and for Rotary charities.

The fun-filled evening netted $1,200 in support of a “micro lending” project in Nigeria. Wendy Davis had come across this opportunity on her recent Rotary service trip there. The silent action prize raising funds was a dinner for 8 hosted by Wendy.

In addition to approximately $25,000 , net, for our club’s charitable efforts, the $840 proceeds from the 50/50 prize drawing will supplement purchase of a third ShelterBox . This was our biggest 50/50 prize ever. Donna Gulley, regional representative from the Northbrook Rotary, expressed her appreciation for our club’s support of the project, and for the contacts made through Rotary. They enabled her to build on the district’s relief effort: the boxed 10-person tents and supplies that made it through to the cyclone-ravaged Myanmar when governments couldn’t.

How much fun was our “Night in the Islands”? Said Kris Stabler, “We were all winners at this event!” Experienced seaman Bob Heller felt so too. “Great prizes,” said Jim Miller, speaking as a true Chamber buccaneer, noting that they also drew attention to the entertainment available in town. Bill Mahoney commented on the effective direction due to boson Jon Ridler’s “articulate diction” heard above the din of lively Rotary fellowship. Swab Bob Paddock felt there wouldn’t be much to clean up – there was a lot of good conversation with friends, and clean plates testifying to a good Wellington party. Admiral Ron Popp …the current President of course has to out rank the incoming president…said thanks not only to his first mate Helen, but also to Mary Cay, Suzy Cavoto and rest of the crew for making the evening a success.

Cap’n Ron Crawford expressed his appreciation for all who helped as well. “The music, hard work, fun and support enabled us to build upon good tradition.” What was special, too, he said, was that the idea for this successful party theme came through one of the key aspects of Rotary – making up at other clubs, sharing and bringing back ideas for the benefit of all. Our biggest seller again this year was Bill Billimoria – perhaps he should pay a happy fine, or maybe we should pay his, for his sales’ efforts and being in the Big 10 countdown for so many years. Maybe we can acknowledge his enviable success by calling him “Big 10 Bill.” We thank Bill and all who supported, attended and contributed.