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Florida Suncoast Winnie-Gators March 2005 Outing Our Chapter campout (State Rally) was held March 19 –22nd, 2005 at Orlando Fairgrounds in Orlando, Florida Friday at 9:30 am, on a beautiful sun filled Florida day, 20 member coaches of the Suncoast Winnie-Gators met to enter the Orlando Fairgrounds for the Florida State Rally, which was theme this year The Wonders of Florida. Our responsibilities this year was to run Friday nights bingo and the cakewalk on Saturday. After we were parked we went to the main rally hall to register and receive a goody bag, which was filled with free samples, a rally pin, a rally gift (a lovely tile with Florida symbols on it) and a Florida Winnie-Gators member roster. Later that afternoon we all gathered in an area by our coaches for a hot dogs & bean luncheon hosted by Norm & Chris Blakeney. After the cookout some of our members went to the main hall for Cash Bingo while others worked the Bingo. On Saturday several more of our chapter member coaches arrived for the rally bringing it to a total of 27 coaches representing our chapter. Saturday’s festivities started at 11:00 am with the Wonders of Florida opening ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony ice cream was served sponsored by Camping World. Our own Cindy Davis was the first lady to sport her money hat. Cindy and Donna Haynes worked all day selling raffle tickets and collected approximately $715. Many of our chapter members visited Vendor’s Hall and seminars throughout the day. Member Jarvis Wood presented the First Timers Seminar and did an outstanding job with his presentation. We visited the dealers who brought their new coaches here to temp us into buying... They even served frozen concoctions to catch us off guard. In the afternoon at 1pm our chapter hosted the cakewalk. Several of our members came back with cakes they had won and shared them with other chapter members. Then that evening a catered dinner was served sponsored by Lazy Days RV. After dinner comic Billy Scott entertained us but not before several of our members got up on stage and sang the Mickey Mouse Club song… They were quite the site... Sunday was another day packed with activities. A catered breakfast was served and another member of our chapter Donna Haynes was the money hat lady of the day. Donna & Cindy Davis worked all day selling tickets for the hat and collected approximately $729. Jeannie Beckner donated a monogrammed apron with the Wonders of Florida theme. She sold raffle tickets for it, which will be drawn on Monday night. Many members of our chapter entered crafts into the Arts & Crafts competition. Later in the evening, after a catered dinner of corned beef and cabbage sponsored by Suncoast RV and after dinner we were entertained by the Humdingers a barbershop quartet from Disney World. Monday started with another busy schedule. Yet another member of our chapter Jeannie Beckner was the money hat lady of the day. Donna Haynes & Jeannie worked all day selling tickets for the hat and collected approximately $630. After breakfast many went to play the games in the Craft hall and attended more seminars. Some of our ladies attended a Red Hat Society luncheon. It was a site to see so many women all decked out in their purple outfits and so many different styles of red hats. Later in the afternoon some of us went to the wine & cheese party while some went and watched the Winnie-Gators Pooch Parade. The pets were all dressed in their finest outfits and even the light shower couldn’t stop them from strutting around. Later that evening, another wonderful catered dinner was served hosted by Harberson Swanston RV. It was followed with roll call of States and the installation of the 2005 Florida State Winnie-Gators Officers. From our chapter the following were inducted into state offices, Dan & Linda Tuzzollo (1st Vice President), Ed & Vicki Horswath (2nd Vice President), Sally McKay (Secretary), and Barbara Schmittzeh (Treasurer). The entertainment for the evening was Bill White nephew of Jim Reeves who took us back into time singing many of our favorite old Jim Reeves and other country songs. After the entertainment there were drawings for door prizes and the wagon of cheer. Tuesday after the continental breakfast, there was a general meeting for all to attend. Soon after we started gathering our belongings and packing up to leave a weekend that was packed with good food, fantastic entertainment, fun and seeing all of our friends (old & new). After saying our goodbyes, we pulled out looking forward to our next RVin’ adventure and next years Florida State Rally. Submitted by: Donna M. Haynes - Secretary Contact: President - Pete Schmittzeh Telephone number (1-352-596-7421)
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