[HCRA] Holiday Party - thanks everyone!

[Jim Mullen]

I just want to say thanks to everyone that attended last night's Holiday
party at the Steaming Tender. The final headcount was 71, the food and
service were excellent and Marty and Vanna (Susan) did a great job with the
raffle prizes. But you know, without your attendance it just wouldn't have
been the same so  - THANKS!

Marty has put a question before the group looking for ideas for next year's
party. If you have any suggestions for improvements or would like to
volunteer to help with the planning now is the best time to do so while it
is fresh in your mind. Based on the feedback we will be returning to the
Steaming Tender next year on December 3rd.

Besides answering Marty's questions I have one for you also concerning the
'raffle prizes'. Actually a few questions but they won't be hard or require
a lot of thinking :)

1. Do you think having a raffle at the party adds to the fun?
    A. Yes, I look forward to a raffle of some sorts at functions like this.
    B. No, the party, the food and the friendship are all that's required
for a great evening?
    C. No opinion - I really don't care.

2. Does the opportunity to win a nice raffle prize affect your decision to
attend the party?
    A. Yes - greatly. I wouldn't have attended if there wasn't a raffle.
    B. No - I would have attended whether or not there was a raffle.
    C. No opinion - I really don't care.

HCRA has had a good year financially and we decided to put some of that
money toward a nice group of raffle prizes this year, to the tune of around
$500. We could have used those funds to 'write down' the cost of a ticket
by at least $5 but the board felt a raffle would be more fun. Given the
hard financial choice what would you prefer:

3. If the treasury allows it I would like to see
    A. A raffle at the holiday party and keep the ticket price the same.
    B. Reduce the price of the ticket by what would have been spent on the
raffle.
    C. No opinion - I really don't care.

So there you go. I'm going to post this on our facebook page too. Feel free
to respond to either with your opinion. There are no wrong answers, we're
just trying to clarify what you, the members, expect from functions like
the Holiday party.

Thanks in advance for your answers - have a fantastic Holiday Season and
see you next year on January 6th.

Jim/KK1W