Raffle and Sweeptakes
As the convention Awards Banquet drew to a close, BVA National
Auxiliary officers delivered, directly to the winners’ seats,
various and sundry prizes to convention attendees who had supported
the Auxiliary raffle. President Appleby then called on Volunteer
Coordinator Margarine Beaman and three of the youngsters in the
crowd to draw National Headquarters sweepstakes winners, all of
whom turned out to be blinded veterans.
From a prize pool of approximately $9,500, the grand prize sweepstakes
winner was Henry E. (Hank) Bloomberg of Erie, Pennsylvania (president
of the Pennsylvania Regional Group). He won approximately $4,750.
The second place winner was Richard H. Klitch, Sr., a World War
II veteran from San Antonio, Texas. His winnings were approximately
$2,375.
Third place went to another World War II veteran, Garfield Koenig
of Northbrook, Illinois. Garfield won an estimated $1,425.
Ben Thomas, Jr. of Girard, Ohio, was the name drawn for the fourth
place prize. Ben was the third World War II veteran of the group
of winners. He will receive a check for approximately $950.
Sad News #1 and #2
#1—Punta Gorda, Florida, residents Terry (Irving Diener
Award winner), Joanne, and Susan King were in Reno Friday as Hurricane
Charley ripped through the town, demolishing homes and businesses.
Even with communication lines down, the Kings were somehow able
to learn quickly that their home had sustained minimal damage.
But they were concerned at what they might find upon their return
the next day.
#2—Tom Miller announced at the closing business session
that Director of District 3 Everett Langworthy had unfortunately
been rushed to the Washoe County Medical Center earlier that morning.
Reports a few days following the convention indicated that Everett
had suffered a stroke. Two weeks later his condition was gradually
improving. Everett and Joan remain in the prayers of their BVA
friends.
Conventions of 2005-08
The enjoyment and motivation that come from attendance at a national
convention leads logically to the question "When and where
is the next one?"
According to Annette Mongelli, Convention Coordinator, blinded
veterans and their families will meet for the BVA 60th National
Convention at the Wyndham Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Official
dates are August 16-20, 2005. The single/double room rate is $75.
The triple/quad rate is $85 per night. Although there is a fee
of $18 per day for parking, convention participants can look forward
to a location right on the beach. All Wyndham rooms have an ocean
view. The Florida Regional Group will host the convention.
The Buffalo, New York Adams Mark Hotel will be the site of the
New York Regional Group-hosted 61st National Convention August
15-19, 2006. The single/double room rate is $80 per night. The
triple/quad rate is $89. 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 areas.
The Southwest Desert Regional Group will be the host organization
for the 62nd National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, August
14-18, 2007. The official venue for the gathering will be the
Hyatt Albuquerque, with a room rate of $72 per night. The present
room tax rate in Albuquerque is 10.8 percent.
Official bids for the 63rd National Convention have not yet been
submitted. Presentations by regional groups interested in holding
the convention in one of their cities will be made at next year’s
closing business session in Miami Beach. Groups expressing interest
in submitting bids include the Northern Arizona Regional Group
(Phoenix) and the Puerto Rico Regional Group (San Juan). The Hilton
Myrtle Beach Resort has also contacted BVA National Headquarters
with a proposal to serve as the site in 2008.
Special Thanks
As always, BVA received extra strength and help for the national
convention from the local community under the direction of volunteer
coordinator Margarine Beaman. This year’s group featured
youth and adult leaders from junior ROTC programs and several
high schools in the Reno area.
"I think our volunteers this year are the best we’ve
ever had," said Elizabeth Scott, wife of World War II veteran
Otis Scott, "and that’s saying a lot because they are
always great."
Appreciation was also expressed at the Awards Banquet for the
always tireless efforts of Larry and Elena Martinez, Sam and Anita
Ayoob, and Dawna Johnson. Each is always available for special
projects and quick responses to every spur-of-the-moment demand.
The 59th National Convention also received much needed support
from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Association, both
before and during the convention week.
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