Page 14 - Spring 2014 magazine

Photos by Chelise Simmons and Jim Sudduth

Luxurious. Valentino, were the focus of
Elegant. the social hour. The invit-
Amazing. ed guests poured over the

These were just a few of the words used to descriptions of the gift
describe the prizes at this year’s Volunteer baskets, admired the art-
Appreciation and Awards Banquet. The work and jewelry, and good-
sumptuous display of over thirty prize Jan Valentino and naturedly staked claims on

packages tempted the banquet guests as Nancy Knapp describ- the hybrid mountain bike
ing the raffle prizes
they arrived. Each guest received two com- during the drawings. and the camping gear.

plimentary entries for the prizes, but almost
After dinner, Jan Valentino and Nancy Knapp
everyone opted to purchase more tickets to
increase their chances of winning that spe- described the prizes while Tim O’Brien (Friends
President), Mark Spencer and Tim Smith (BLM)
cial “something.”
selected the winning entries.
“Being Oscar” included Bom-
bay Sapphire Gin, olives, mar- The raffle proceeds helped to
tini glasses, cocktail snacks as underwrite a large portion of
well as an autographed copy of
Being Oscar. And an Oscar the banquet costs. Sincere
mask. No home should be with- thanks to the banquet solicita-
out one.
tion and preparation team:
John Blackwell de-
The donated prizes covered the range of “I Kathy Warren, Lee Minardi, livers a raffle prize
want to be pampered.” to “I need to be in Jan Valentino and Nancy

the great outdoors!” The items included Knapp. The banquet committee also deserves to
original artwork, food and beverage gift be acknowledged and thanked for the talent, time
baskets, spa/beauty products, hotel and en- and effort that was involved in organizing this
tertainment packages, dining cer- celebration of volunteer achievements.
tificates, zip line rides, sleeping
So, the next time you see Joe and Mary Labie,
bags, a tent as well as a bicycle.
Nancy and Tom Hughes, Linda and Gary Vetter,

The items, professionally dis- Judi and Dwight Hempel, Sharyn Cochran or
played by the talented Carole and Don Schoengold, please let them

team of Nancy
Kevin DesRoberts wins know you appreciate their efforts.
the Zip Line package Knapp and Jan

Page 14