2nd Lt. Marc Stanley, Palwaukee Composite Squadron, CAP
Palwaukee Composite Squadron held its first annual fundraiser on Thursday 8 May, 2008. Located at the North Shore Hotel in downtown Evanston, IL, the 4 hour affair featured cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a charity auction. This event was a wing approved function.
Guest auctioneer/emcee, 2nd Lt. Steve Tomaszewski from Woodfield Squadron, oversaw the night's auction activities in the ballroom. His support as an adviser in this project was invaluable, as he has staffed many non-CAP fundraisers for organizations such as the USO and Ronald McDonald Charities.
After only 8 weeks of preparation, the fundraiser managed to secure a wide variety of donated items for the auction, as well as a decent number of corporate donations by the end of the initiative. Total funds raised for the Squadron amounted to just under $4,000.00. This raised funding will help to offset the relocation expenses for Palwaukee Squadron, which for the first time in 67 years will not be based on the grounds of Chicago Executive (formerly Palwaukee) Airport. In addition to the relocation expenses, the monies will also help to purchase needed items and equipment for the unit's Incident Command Trailer and to fund cadet activities.
This event would not have been such a success without help from the following:
*MJ Catering (Evanston, IL) for the food, beverages and location.
*2nd Lt. Steve Tomaszewski, Woodfield Squadron--Auctioneer/Adviser
*1st Lt. Jim Griggs, IL049--Project Officer
*Capt. Dave Gillingham, IL049--Finance and Accounting
*Lt. Col. Charlie Boyle, IL001--Donations
*Lt. Col. Lou Wipotnik, IL049--Donations
*2nd Lt. Bob Gould, IL049--Donations
*1st Lt. Jim Natonski, IL049--Donations
*Mr. Rob Nicpon, IL049 cadet dad--DJ/Entertainment
Special recognition should also go to Palwaukee Squadron Commander, 1st Lt. Scott Murphy for the initial idea of the activity. And of course, thanks go the Group 22 commander, Maj. Bob Williams, for support of the event.
