Well, we did it again! What a WONDERFUL weekend it was. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, not too hot, not too cold—and the WILDFLOWERS!!! What a spectacular show they were! Suzan’s pictures were a testament to that. As well as the other pics that were sent to me to view. Thanks Laura Linda!
A BIG Thank U goes to Liz for keeping track of Registration again this year. It’s such a relief to my mind to know that this important job is in such capable and dependable hands. Jayette did an awesome job as Liz’s helper, giving Liz a chance to get a break now and then. The Greeters were LauraLinda & Laura, Roger & Nancy, and Mardi, who helped the guests find the way. Thank U to all for making our guests feel welcomed!
Margaret, Maribeth, Caroline, Kim, Diane. Larah & Lois did such a wonderful job putting the Prize Corral together. It was an incredible display of MBE generosity and support from our business sponsor friends. Thank U to everyone who contributed to the Prize Corral. You all are the BEST!
The Grounds Crew once again came through with an awesome amount of help! Mike G, Mike P, Randy, Vince, Bill, Tim, Kerrie, Alan & Camp Daddy Harry did a great job helping to put up and take down all the many shade covers & lights, keeping the garbage cans emptied and the grounds generally spiffied up. I know there were a few “extras” who helped also, but I’m not sure who, just know that your helping hands were GREATLY appreciated!
The “THURSDAY CHOPPERS” Jo, Matt, Vicki, Kathleen, Shannen, Sunday, Linda, Kelly, Syd, Carrie, MeriLee, Karen, Tia, Rob, Deb … it seems there were more people that helped … please forgive me if I didn’t name you. But believe me, I REALLY APPRECIATED your help! The Thursday Choppers are extremely important to having the kitchen function for the rest of the weekend.
Friday morning involves many helping hands as well, setting up the tables with table cover and decoration. This year I have to give a big shout out to Linda & Bill Grossen. They were responsible for the awesome table centerpieces on all the tables. The centerpieces were an incredible addition to the charm and character of our ride. THANK U Bill & Linda!
Thanks also to Sunday, Shannen, Vicki & Kerrie for wrapping all the plastic ware in preparation for the meals, and Jo & Kelly & Matt for setting up the service trays with the Salt & Pepper, Tabasco, and plastic ware that are on the tables for each meal.
I can’t express enough how much I appreciate ALL the help in the Kitchen. Jo, Matt, Kelly, MariLee, Carrie, Syd, Deb, Sharon, Wendy, Vicki, Terrie, Joe, Gail, Renata, Vaughn, Barb, Cynthia, Laura & Tracy were those who signed up to help, most participating in more than one meal. Throughout the weekend, people were coming in and helping out at random … I can’t express how much I truly appreciate all the help and support that members are willing to provide.
The meals wouldn’t be complete without our fantabulous BBQ Boys! Dave, Robert, Richard, Phil, Randy & Vince were responsible for the yummy BBQ’d meat at the dinners. Breakfast meats and pancakes were prepared by Dave, Phil, Martin, Richard, Robert & Vaughn.
I want to be sure to give a big THANK U to our wonderful ride Vet, Roger Bruce. We appreciate having you as a member and as our ride vet each year. It was truly a blessing that you were here this year. We appreciate you every year, but this year even more so!
Mike G and Robert really stepped up this year, as I am working lots of days now—I didn’t have as much time to do the preliminary shopping. These guys did the job and did it well! Then on the Wednesday, Jo & Harry Price met us all at Costco to help shop for the remaining fresh foods. Phil and D’Arrigo Brothers donated a lot of the produce and a big THANK U goes out to them for their generosity!
We can’t talk about the Poker Ride and not mention all the fun that 2 gals provided all weekend long with their costumes! Shawn & Rebel were again the “life of the party” all weekend long! Their encouragement made the Poker Hand Booth a really fun experience—as Todd also got in the spirit of the” old west casino”! Vaughn, Deb, Patricia, Helen, Liz, Sharon, Larah & Rob rounded out the “scene” each in their own unique way. Everyone seemed to be having a GREAT time at the Poker Table. A special thanks to Alicia and Donna for sorting all those hands and to Deb for her leadership.
Once again, a HUGE debt of gratitude goes to “Camp Daddy” Harry Price. This man is worth his weight in GOLD, and then some! Harry, words just cannot express how much I appreciate you! YOU R DA BESTEST!!!!
This whole Poker Ride is a huge undertaking and it is a testament to the awesome members of this club that we can pull together and produce such a successful and fun event!
It makes it all worthwhile when you hear from our guests just how much they have enjoyed themselves and that they are looking forward to next year! I have received some Thank You notes from guests, complementing us all on such a fun event. Thank you Chuck and Suzan for saving the moment in photos.
Lastly, I really want to thank Patti & Mando, Margaret, Liz, the Board and the rest of the club for that incredible gift … the picture of our horses in the rain. Mike and I were so touched by it … Thanks so much to all our club friends!
Patti & Mike Garcia
