Raffle and Sweepstakes
As the lengthy Awards Banquet neared the finish line, BVA Auxiliary
national officers handed out a variety of merchandise and rewards
for convention attendees who had supported the Auxiliary raffle.
BVA Communications Coordinator Stuart Nelson called on a handful
of the younger convention attendees to draw National Headquarters
sweepstakes winners.
The grand-prize sweepstakes winner was William E. Bettis, a BVA
member from San Antonio, Texas. William won approximately $5,300.
The second place winner was Valerie L. Mitchell of Chicago, Illinois.
Valerie is the widow of a blinded veteran. Her winnings were an
estimated $2,600.
Drawn for third place was World War II veteran Otis B. Scott,
a loyal member of BVA for more than 50 years and currently a member
of the North Carolina Regional Group. Otis won approximately $1,650.
The name Benjamin Craig was drawn for the fourth place prize.
His name sounded familiar, having been announced in San Antonio
as the third place winner. Benjamin’s winnings in 2003 are
approximately $1,050.
Sweepstakes tickets to be drawn at the BVA 59th National Convention
will be mailed to BVA members in February 2004. Half of the proceeds
garnered from the sweepstakes go to defray convention expenses
while the other half is awarded as prize money. The sweepstakes
has become a significant means by which BVA supports its annual
national conventions.
Looking Ahead to 2004-07
Anticipation has already mounted and preparations are well underway
for the next four national conventions, especially next year’s
59th gathering at the Reno Hilton August 10-14, 2004.
According to Annette Mongelli, Convention Coordinator, the single/double
room rate is $85 plus a 12 percent room tax. Any additional guests
will be charged $10 per night. The Reno Hilton is an especially
large property. Features include six restaurants, a theater, two
nightclubs, free shuttle service to and from downtown and the
airport, free parking, and abundant meeting space limited to one
floor.
Blinded veterans and their families will travel to the Wyndham
Hotel Miami Beach, Florida, for the BVA 60th National Convention
August 16-20, 2005. The single/double room rate is $75. The triple/quad
rate is $85 per night with a current 12.5 percent room tax. There
is a fee of $18 for parking. The Wyndham is located right on the
beach and all rooms have an ocean view. Other features include
a complimentary fitness center with all amenities, two restaurants,
and a location 15 minutes from the Miami International Airport.
The Buffalo, New York, Adams Mark Hotel will host the 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 one floor, three dining facilities, and excellent
access to the downtown and waterfront areas.
Blinded veterans and their families will travel to Albuquerque,
New Mexico, for the 62nd National Convention in August 2007. The
venue for the 62nd Convention will be the Hyatt Albuquerque with
a room rate of $72 per night. The present room tax rate in Albuquerque
is 10.8 percent.
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