As quickly as time passed in our final preparations for the rally, it seemed like the rally itself went even faster. And now it’s over!
Here are a few highlights of Day 3 and 4.
The Penny Raffle was successful in raising over $1800 to award $500 cash award to the lucky raffle winner. The remaining $1300 was sent to Escapees CARE, our favorite charity. In this type of raffle, participants draw tickets and pay the amount of the last 3 digits in penny value. For example, if the ticket number is 790089, the amount to be paid is $0.89. If it is 790599, you would pay $5.99. Jerry Yecny, below, adds up the amounts as Peggy Gill draws tickets to total approximately $20 that she’s planning to pay for chances to win the $500.
Below, Rey & Loretta Armstrong, Bill Parrish and other members of the San Diego area Shanty Shakers chapter model their matching travel shirts.
Belinda Gail, America’s Western Sweetheart, enthralled the audience with her clear voice and accompanying guitar playing. What a wonderful performance!
What’s an RV rally without food? Well, this one was no different than any other, and we had some wonderful meals, like this egg, sausage, pancake, OJ, milk and coffee breakfast provided by three chapters.
The tables were set with ‘green’ placemats made from newspapers.
Lots of people enjoyed the yummy food, served hot and efficiently by the three chapters’ volunteers.
Doris Montague was part of the great crew! Her apron says “Never Say Diet!”
Our club members love to show fondness for each other with hugs. Even the men do it! Steve Obosky and Ed Kruty have been buddies for a long time.
But other guys show their skills in the kitchen.
And lots of gals, too.
At the closing session, after the Penny Raffle award was made and all the door prizes were given away, Don proceeded to conduct the drawing for the Grand Prize. It was presented by reps from Adventure Caravans, a company that conducts RV trips and rallies across the USA, Canada and Mexico. This prize was for an 11-day Mega Rally worth $2,995, the location to be chosen by the lucky winners.
As the lady above drew the winning ticket with the name written on back, and handed it to Don to announce, he got a funny look on his face. I recognized the look as “How the heck am I going to announce this?” The lucky winners were the Del Rosarios! Us!
It was so hard to believe, we were blown away. Everyone was happy for us and kept saying we deserved it after working so hard on putting this rally together.
But we know it was a success not just because we took the lead to pick a place and time and get the ball rolling, but also because of the great team of people who put together a schedule of activities, games and tours. Without them, the rally couldn’t have succeeded.
Our final evening of entertainment was presented by Todd Netland, arranger, composer, pianist. Todd captured our attention with his broad repertoire, perfect pitch and many talents.
Some attendees even got out on the floor to dance. Steve and Nancy Obosky, on the left, are Todd Netlands’ friends and hosts. Denny and Susie Orr, on the right, are Escapees’ Chapter Directors and members of the rally’s staff.
On Thursday morning, we enjoyed “Hugs N Mugs” with sweet rolls and coffee, then watched the RVs roll out of the festival grounds. Later that day we got the staff team together to discuss what worked and what needed changing over pizza. Carlin & Paula Serra, Frank & Marlene Hinman, Ed & Sandy Kruty, Rey & Loretta Armstrong, Frank & Gloria King, Denny & Susie Orr, Art & Caroline Fennell, Walt & Kellie Gunn, and Dave & Brenda Neil. What a terrific team!
We’re thrilled that Kellie and Walt Gunn have agreed to lead the WARE for 2013, and many of the same team will be on board to help plan and conduct the rally. After ‘giving birth’ to the concept and seeing it to fruition, we’re so happy that it will become a repeat event. Although we won’t be in this part of the country next April, we hope to attend the following year.
When we thought it was all over, five of the guys brought in a pallet carrying a large gift box that looked really heavy. The ribbon and bow were made of duct tape! Clever.
They helped us cut the ribbon and open the box to find Don & Sharon’s Space inside!
Several clumps of cotton balls were glued to the inside, and a sign was attached:
“THE TWO WEEKS OF INVADING YOUR SPACE IS THROUGH, BUT IF IN FACT WE DO, HERE’S A BIG BOX OF IT, JUST FOR YOU. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!’
There was a lovely card signed by all and a nice VISA gift card as well! We are so appreciative of these dear, sweet, thoughtful friends. And it’s been a really fun time! Thank You All!
