This was just one of the many positive comments overheard during the non-event fundraiser at the Double Musky in mid-October. Bob, Deanna and Jason Persons agreed to sponsor the event for the second time, by furnishing a nice buffet style dinner with all the trimmings. Many of the house specialties were featured, along with free beer and wine. While the price of the tickets increased over last year, there was still a great turnout. In addition, the Byrne Family made a very generous $2,000 donation. All the proceeds went directly to Four Valleys Community Schools.More good news for FVCS: After holding the event at Girdwood School last year, the board received an offer to use the Alyeska Day Lodge for the annual Sports Swap. Scheduled for October 25, it was the thirteenth year for the sale. It proved to be a good thing, because it was a smashing success, especially for individuals selling their used equipment. As a matter of fact, one person said that he made more than he expected on things he just didn’t need anymore. Obviously, others needed them.
“We had a good crowd, some super bargains, great volunteers, wonderful volunteer snacks,” Said Betsy Preis FVCS board member. “And the new arrangement actually worked well.”
This year, the entrance and exit were through the same door. Some liked the idea, others didn’t, but overall the crowd control was better.
“I love it every year. There were tons of people, more than I’ve seen in past years,” said Girdwood resident Mary Kelly. “And there was lots to choose from.”
Without volunteers to run the event, the swap couldn’t work. And this year was no exception, thanks to the dedicated coordination efforts from Rorie Hammel. Many thanks to members of the board, their families, Becky Whisman, the Chandlers, Scott Hickox, Colette Rowe, Kerstin Johansson, Patty Montague, Julie Doepken, Sherry and Bob Dugan, Sue Parry, Sheila Curran, the Grahams, Pat Preis, T. Carlisle, the Carmanys, Bari Cabana, Sheila and Aleah DeNuptis, the Malechas, the Reins and Eli Whitney, Tucker and Spencer Jonas, Tyler Manchester, Liz Luecher, Lolly Moss, William Parry, Doug Penn, Gabrielle Hoessle, Lori Hibbs, Martin, Cassens, Deb Davis, the Durtschis, Laura Johansson, Carolyn Brodin, Janette Kiland, Cyndy Denne, Becky Germain, Jody Jenkins, JaJa Henderson, Tommy Salami, Marina Graham, Gabrielle Markel, Sally Messing, Bud Dow, Rubi Cardenas, John Samuelson, Melissa Butterfield, Shannon Keegan, Diane Powers, the Tennys, Amy Johnson, Karina Stockinger, Tom Yeager, Bali and Paige Mohl, Eileen Driscoll, Reid Bahnson, Brendon and Michael Montague, Julie Jonas(!), Sam Daniel, and all the great assistance from the Alyeska staff, including Brian Burnett, Di Hiibner and Jim Madigan.
These (and surely some who were missed) are the people, the unsung heroes that make Girdwood such an amazing community. Many thanks as well to the generosity of the Byrnes and the Persons, who continue to make Girdwood a great place to live.