A word of thanks to all of you from all of us at KewlRides - 9th Annual USMC Toys Fo
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A word of thanks to all of you from us at KewlRides - 9th Annual USMC Toys For Tots
Well again the toys have been collected and the volunteers went home for that well deserved day of rest after a hectic day. We guaranteed children will wake Christmas morning and believe the magic of Christmas does exist once again. The 9th annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive/Car Show is over and KewlRides’ thoughts turn to December 14th, 2013 for the 10th Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive / Car Show. I cannot believe we have been doing this for ten years and each year the folks that come out are the best at supporting the event.
Joe (Fops), David (Capt PB) and I (Rumrunner, Rummy) assembled to make sure we all were on the same game plan and consider any last minutes points. We then proceeded to arrange the parking areas, set up the trophy tables and the registration area in anticipation of the vehicles arrival. So the volunteers began arriving, the question was asked about the trailer and where is was (I answered trust me, Vengeance will be here long before we start), the volunteers gathered and began preparation for what turned out to be an great day, in spite of the weather There was a flurry of action as parking cones were set, tables for raffles, silent auctions and various other activities. There were Classics, Imports, Exotics, Americans, Europeans, Corvettes, Mopars, and Trucks (not to mention the Peterbuilt 379 and the AM General M35A2C 2 1/ 2 ton Military Cargo Truck) and other vehicles over here and there.
Joe could be found making sure he reviewed his parking plan, and directing the incoming Car Show entries. Jill was at the computer table helping get last minute register completed to hand off to Tricia and Cindy, while Anita was working on raffle items and silent auctions items for the day. The trophies were proudly displayed while Joe and I stood back to check and make sure all was ready to begin. The Vengeance Racing trailer (storage for the toys until they were off loaded to the Marines) showed up along with the American Signal Video Board. We located the spots where they would be placed as Josh the new DJ showed up and began setting up his rig. We were ready to go and geared up to kicked off the show, all Toys For Tots volunteers checked their list and checked it twice, we were ready to go (really ready or not), it was Show time………………………….
The weather was not cold, we had no snow, the temperature were around the 60’s but despite various weather reports we fought the weather. At times there were short periods of drizzle or other periods of actual rain. Even with this the show was great, we had a good turnout, loads of variety, thanks to the owners wanting to help the kids. We collected loads of toys and cash for the Toys for Tots Foundation while Miller’s Ale House was buzzing with all the folks laughing, joking and having fun with old friends and new friends. Of course Christopher fought with the AMSIG sign most of the early day and as we thought he finally got it, the end result was no sign this year (we have next year to look forward to).
Around 12:30 the group of Judges began their rounds with the intention of finishing the judge effort to allowing us to present the trophies a little early. In previous years the judging has been a huge pain to say the least, but with a new system in place and Christopher heading the crew, we had little trouble getting this accomplished this year.
For another year I wound up on the microphone to do the awards presentation (what are these guys thinking; me and a microphone, the only thing worst would have been to give the mic to David - Capt PB). And of course with me and Toys for Tots event there is always something to talk about. In our haste to finish judging we somehow forgot to get the car descriptions associated with the winning contestant. So in my usual form as I called the category and winning name I would simply ask the winner as they walked up what car they owned that won. (Not the best approach but it worked for the moment).
The volunteers, the people who attend and folks who just stop by to see what we are doing then come back with more toys are why I continue to do this event. There are those of you who know my wish is that no child wake up on Christmas morning and find a bare spot on the floor where a present from Santa (you guys) should be. All of you continue to amaze me each and every year in your giving spirit and being able for one day to come together as a group dedicated to this one cause.
I have said it before, but this Saturday just reaffirmed my feelings; I am honored to know, work with, eat and drink with all of you. There are no bigger hearts then those I speak of here and yes that does include those of you that could not make it. Remember you can still find local drop off points to give toys, this year Toys For Tots really need all the toys you can give.
I would like to thank Guillermo (Miller's Ale House) and his staff, Ron (Vengeance Racing) and his crew, American Signal, Christopher L Holte and his judges, Ed (High End Detail – for bringing the AMSIG sign), and all of you that volunteer. I would also like to thank Joe, David and Chris for being partners with me in KewlRides.org, this allows us the opportunity to do this event and the Christmas in July each year as well as keep up the website. Without all of you the event would not take place. Thanks to the many different car groups, forums and all the individuals that came out.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for coming out and again making this year another successful Toys for Tots.
Keep your eye and mark those new 2013 calendars when you get them. We have next year's date selected (December 14th, 2013 – Second Saturday in December) when we will again descend on Miller's Ale House and with more toys. It has been my pleasure and a whole lot of fun putting this event together and as my Island Brother put it to me several years ago, “It is amazing how it all comes together at the last minutes before the event.” I guess it is meant to be.
Once again Thank You so very much for working, coming, bringing toys and being there.
Rest well Ladies and Gentlemen, you did good and deserve it. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a safe and very Happy New Year. See all of you in 2013.
Mark
(aka Rumrunner)
And the KewlRides Team
BTY here are just a few of the pictures, Calvin will get me his pix; and I have another set of pictures that I will load up to the website and gallery once I have them all.
Joe (Fops), David (Capt PB) and I (Rumrunner, Rummy) assembled to make sure we all were on the same game plan and consider any last minutes points. We then proceeded to arrange the parking areas, set up the trophy tables and the registration area in anticipation of the vehicles arrival. So the volunteers began arriving, the question was asked about the trailer and where is was (I answered trust me, Vengeance will be here long before we start), the volunteers gathered and began preparation for what turned out to be an great day, in spite of the weather There was a flurry of action as parking cones were set, tables for raffles, silent auctions and various other activities. There were Classics, Imports, Exotics, Americans, Europeans, Corvettes, Mopars, and Trucks (not to mention the Peterbuilt 379 and the AM General M35A2C 2 1/ 2 ton Military Cargo Truck) and other vehicles over here and there.
Joe could be found making sure he reviewed his parking plan, and directing the incoming Car Show entries. Jill was at the computer table helping get last minute register completed to hand off to Tricia and Cindy, while Anita was working on raffle items and silent auctions items for the day. The trophies were proudly displayed while Joe and I stood back to check and make sure all was ready to begin. The Vengeance Racing trailer (storage for the toys until they were off loaded to the Marines) showed up along with the American Signal Video Board. We located the spots where they would be placed as Josh the new DJ showed up and began setting up his rig. We were ready to go and geared up to kicked off the show, all Toys For Tots volunteers checked their list and checked it twice, we were ready to go (really ready or not), it was Show time………………………….
The weather was not cold, we had no snow, the temperature were around the 60’s but despite various weather reports we fought the weather. At times there were short periods of drizzle or other periods of actual rain. Even with this the show was great, we had a good turnout, loads of variety, thanks to the owners wanting to help the kids. We collected loads of toys and cash for the Toys for Tots Foundation while Miller’s Ale House was buzzing with all the folks laughing, joking and having fun with old friends and new friends. Of course Christopher fought with the AMSIG sign most of the early day and as we thought he finally got it, the end result was no sign this year (we have next year to look forward to).
Around 12:30 the group of Judges began their rounds with the intention of finishing the judge effort to allowing us to present the trophies a little early. In previous years the judging has been a huge pain to say the least, but with a new system in place and Christopher heading the crew, we had little trouble getting this accomplished this year.
For another year I wound up on the microphone to do the awards presentation (what are these guys thinking; me and a microphone, the only thing worst would have been to give the mic to David - Capt PB). And of course with me and Toys for Tots event there is always something to talk about. In our haste to finish judging we somehow forgot to get the car descriptions associated with the winning contestant. So in my usual form as I called the category and winning name I would simply ask the winner as they walked up what car they owned that won. (Not the best approach but it worked for the moment).
The volunteers, the people who attend and folks who just stop by to see what we are doing then come back with more toys are why I continue to do this event. There are those of you who know my wish is that no child wake up on Christmas morning and find a bare spot on the floor where a present from Santa (you guys) should be. All of you continue to amaze me each and every year in your giving spirit and being able for one day to come together as a group dedicated to this one cause.
I have said it before, but this Saturday just reaffirmed my feelings; I am honored to know, work with, eat and drink with all of you. There are no bigger hearts then those I speak of here and yes that does include those of you that could not make it. Remember you can still find local drop off points to give toys, this year Toys For Tots really need all the toys you can give.
I would like to thank Guillermo (Miller's Ale House) and his staff, Ron (Vengeance Racing) and his crew, American Signal, Christopher L Holte and his judges, Ed (High End Detail – for bringing the AMSIG sign), and all of you that volunteer. I would also like to thank Joe, David and Chris for being partners with me in KewlRides.org, this allows us the opportunity to do this event and the Christmas in July each year as well as keep up the website. Without all of you the event would not take place. Thanks to the many different car groups, forums and all the individuals that came out.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for coming out and again making this year another successful Toys for Tots.
Keep your eye and mark those new 2013 calendars when you get them. We have next year's date selected (December 14th, 2013 – Second Saturday in December) when we will again descend on Miller's Ale House and with more toys. It has been my pleasure and a whole lot of fun putting this event together and as my Island Brother put it to me several years ago, “It is amazing how it all comes together at the last minutes before the event.” I guess it is meant to be.
Once again Thank You so very much for working, coming, bringing toys and being there.
Rest well Ladies and Gentlemen, you did good and deserve it. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a safe and very Happy New Year. See all of you in 2013.
Mark
(aka Rumrunner)
And the KewlRides Team
BTY here are just a few of the pictures, Calvin will get me his pix; and I have another set of pictures that I will load up to the website and gallery once I have them all.
Last edited by Rumrunner; Dec 10, 2012 at 03:58 PM.
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