The Luckiest
Blinded Vets
A bit of the best of the BVA national conventions is always saved for last as the four winners of the annual cash prize sweepstakes are announced. Each of the winners in 2005 was a blinded veteran, and one of the winners was a registered attendee at the convention and present at the banquet.
From a prize pool of approximately $10,400 the grand prize sweepstakes winner was Gordon Damery and his wife, Claire, of Seminole, Florida. Gordon and Claire won approximately $5,200.
The second place winner was Robert O. Therrien, a World War II veteran from Central Falls, Rhode Island. His winnings were approximately $2,600.
Third place went to another World War II veteran, Myron “Mike” Nagelberg of Delray Beach, Florida. Mike went home with an additional $1,560. He was present at the convention.
Clifford H. McGilvrey was the name drawn for the fourth place prize. Clifford was the third World War II veteran of the group of winners. He will receive a check for approximately $1,040.
Looking Ahead
To 06, 07, 08
Enthusiastic participation is encouraged at the 61st National Convention at the Buffalo, New York, Adams Mark Hotel next August 15-19. The convention will be hosted by the New York Regional Group. The single/double room rate is $80 per night and the triple/quad rate is $89. There is a 13.25 percent room tax. Start planning now to be in Buffalo! Hotel features include complimentary shuttle to and from the Buffalo Airport, meeting space in one area on a single floor, three dining facilities, and quick access to the downtown and waterfront sites and restaurants. Parking is set at $6.25 per day.
The Hyatt Albuquerque will be the site of the 62nd National Convention August 14-18, 2007. Hosting the event will be the newly named New Mexico Regional Group. The present room rate is $72 with a tax rate of 10.8 percent.
The BVA 63rd National Convention will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, and hosted by the Northern Arizona Regional Group. The most likely dates for the convention are August 12-16, 2008. Attendees in Miami Beach voted for the site after a compelling presentation by Steven Peeler of the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau and Regional Group President Tom Hicks. The hotel, which has been narrowed to two finalists, has not yet been designated.
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