By Wayne Mahar
Friday, August 14, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.
Another month and another Weather Deck Party is in the books.
What a party it was! It was at least as smooth running and successful as the July party, putting smiles on all attendees faces despite personal tragedies they might be going through. Others are just plain people, like you and me, who are doing extraordinary things to help family or neighborhoods. In our four WeatherDeck parties to date, we have seen or heard from more than our share of people going through bad times, life threatening illnesses and the loss of loved ones. We have also seen or heard from folks who are doing more than their share of good deeds for people.
With over 900 groups, clubs, organizations, businesses and families having registered (so far), it remains awfully tough choosing party recipients each month. We are always looking for that registration letter that “stands out” amongst the others, heartfelt and well written. We don’t want all tragedies and we don’t want all nice stuff either. Our goal is a combination of both trying to sign up 8-12 groups to be represented for each party.
Yes, there are lots of pieces that go into making our WeatherDeck parties work. A hundred things to worry about and a thousand details to take care of. Thankfully, I have great folks who tirelessly work to make each party a success.
Laura and Erikka are the two people I depend on the most! They are fantastic!
When we meet once a month as a ”selection committee” for the parties, it is Erikka who I depend on for her wise input on who we choose. Erikka truly is my “right hand man” (so to speak), and I couldn’t do it without her!
I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the interns that helped Erikka, Laura and I over the summer. Averi, Kathleen, Amanda and Jordan. As three of them head back to college, we will miss them. They have been a huge help to us. Amanda should be around for awhile yet to at least help with our September party.
Here are the recipients who we honored this past Thursday evening.
*Arthritis Foundation
* Lang Family ( 75th birthday and a family tragedy)
*Guiding Eyes for the Blind (seeing eye dog training)
*The Cousins that Care (kids raising money for Breast Cancer)
*Crimson Cuties (senior ladies group)
*The Chadwick Residence (transitional living services for women)
*Curkendall Family (raising and taking in kids with debilitating health issues)
*Dorothy Collins family (celebrating her life (after passing)
*Duke Family (Father breaks his neck on vacation – paralyzed)
*Randy & Family ( Foster parents with personal tragedy – brain tumor)
*Cayuga County Clerks Office
Of course, despite all the hours involved in setting up these parties, they wouldn’t happen at all if it weren’t for our sponsors and those that donate so much to the parties.
Our primary sponsors remain the great folks at P&C Supermarkets and Tarson Pools and Spas. Our secondary sponsors are Able Smith Tent and Party Rentals, TK-99 radio Galaxy Communications, Syracuse Safety Lites, Cruisin’ Cones and Carvel Ice Cream in DeWitt. A BIG thanks to all! They are all people and organizations that truly care for Central New York and its people! Needless to say, we here at WSTM Channel 3 do also!
Lastly, don’t forget to register! We have more parties coming up! Go to CNYcentral.com and look for the Weather Deck Party link.
YOU could be getting a call from us next for an upcoming party!
