Paradise found! The 2010 NATCA Charitable Foundation events began Saturday night with The Cannonball Run!  Since we all know that there is no running poolside, and the hotel wanted the water to stay in the pool, the Cannonball Run sand course was  beach side, as two person teams sandwiched one big beach ball and ran the gauntlet competing for prizes and gift certificates.  Appreciation to our five distinguished judges, the event was so nice we "ran" it twice (oops NO RUNNING).  Congratulations to all the winners and to Stephen Ramsden for best "style".  A warm and breezy acknowledgment to Platinum Sponsor Mike Palumbo for underwriting this event!

  Early Monday morning brought the Hawaii 5-0 Treasure Hunt.  No pirates, no Captain Jack Sparrow, and no GPS's, only civilians on the search for answers to the NCF questions were needed for this contest!  Focusing on the NATCAvist family, children, teens and spouses participated in this game on getting to know the NATCA Charitable Foundation and its mission.  Answers to questions like:  "Who is the President of NCF?" (Here's a hint- Cathy Meachum!) and "What is the operating expense ratio of the NATCA Charitable Foundation?"  (Here's another hint- NATCA Charitable Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization and proud to boast of an operating expense ratio below 5% since 1998!)  Amazing!!  All the answers were found throughout the silent auction tables and information flyers.  Congratulations to our winners.  Thank you to NCF Platinum Sponsors for backing the Hawaii 5-0 Treasure Hunt event!

  The Silent Auction & Sports Memorabilia Auction proved to be a great success among the guests again.  Donations came from across the country.  Favorite wines, handmade jewelery, NATCA themed embroidered baby bibs, and a fantastic one-of-a-kind, custom NATCA guitar.  Many participated and enjoyed the friendly bidding wars.  There were lots of great items to bid on and a big thanks to all that supported the auction.  The Grand Door Prize Drawing was a sensation and all about Hawaii, from coffee to chocolate to specialty books & souvenirs... it was a prize worth winning.  Sincere appreciation to NATCA Local ZHU for underwriting the Grand Door Prize Basket. 

A special Mahalo goes out to our auction committee & volunteers: Betsy Beaumont, Christine Gilstrap, Bob & Robin Hill, Terri Jeffries, Melanie Labordini, Andy McGowan, Darrell & Cathy Meachum, Marlene Mendel, Lynne Miller, Elena & Jerry Nash, Mike Palumbo, Elaine & Theresa Poe, Nikki Praider, Mike Redmond, Robert Shipman, Karen Smith, Melissa Zilonis, Valerie Bratcher, and Adie Calhan.  Our volunteers make all the difference - Thank YOU!

Last but not least was the Mile for Miracles Ride on Wednesday morning sponsored by NCF's newest Platinum Sponsor, Stephen Ramsden.  This 6-mile bike ride to benefit Hawaii's local Meals on Wheels charity was the trip of a lifetime.  The scenery was spectacular as we rode through the Ka'a'awa Vallley.  The valley is home to many movie scenes with its picturesque landscapes, although the real action-adventure scenes were as one by one we all ended up in the dirt!  This trip was filled with laughter, a couple of bruises and some great memories.  Huge congrats to Michael Becker who raised the most money for NCF through ride sponsors.  This is a definite repeat event, and we look forward to our next ride.

The combination of the charity events rose over $15,000 in sponsorships, door prizes ticket sales, and auction revenue to benefit the NATCA Charitable Foundation and Hawaii's Meals On Wheels program.  A heartfelt Mahalo goes out to everyone who participated in raising funds and awareness for NATCA Charitable Foundation.  Aloha!