Howard Pell is thankful that his two year journey of writing his second book is over and that he has had two recent successful book launches - one in Waterloo and one in Ottawa.  In Ottawa over 100 books were sold and he has just received an order for 50 more from a financial planner.

 

Ed Fowler was pleased to have recently traveled to Italy and while there to visit with past exchange student, Clara Mogna.  Clara is doing very well and is now in second year university studying Mechanical Engineering.

 

President Richard thanked Darren Sweeney who organized the very successful social Golf Outing last week and made him this week's Bell Ringer.

 

Online Auction Several members of the committee reported that things are progressing well for this fundraiser.  The warehouse has been confirmed, a new sponsor has been secured, and more products are now coming in.  However, much more work is needed.  The event begins in just over 3 weeks and now is the time for all members to get out and bring in at least $500 in product each.

 

Howard Pell advised that we have just two weeks left for selling tickets at the Market.  This coming Saturday is taken but not Thursday and both Thursday and  Saturday are open next week.  See below for the link to sign up.

 

In lieu of our regular 50/50 Draw this week we had a special draw in support of the Car Draw Fundraising campaign.  The prize was a $250 gift card from Home Hardware, courtesy of Brad Swanson.  The lucky winner was Louise Gardiner who graciously turned it over to the Online Auction committee.  Due to the completely voluntary support of members at the meeting who purchased tickets for the draw $400 was raised for our Car Draw campaign. 

 

Our meeting today was hosted by Mercedes Benz Kitchener-Waterloo and General Manager Ken Thibodeau was on hand to make a few comments.  Ken is originally from Kitchener but college and professional hockey took him to the United States.  It was there that he met his wife and together they raised four sons.  Several years ago he returned to Canada and began working for Pfaff Motors in Toronto.

 

Ken believes that Pfaff Motors defines the Luxury Car business in Canada with 19 dealerships including Porsche, McLaren and Audi.  They are not the largest luxury auto business but they are the most profitable.  Pfaff was eager to expand into the world of Mercedes and was quick to purchase the Kitchener franchise when it became available. Pfaff believes in making and maintaining strong connections with the community. They are sponsoring the luxury suites at the Auditorium are supporting the local Hospice and are looking to develop partnerships with The Stratford Theatre.  Ken is looking forward to a continued relationship with our club.

 

It was Ken's honour to select the two winners form our Car Draw Early Bird draw:

Greg Mumford from Kingston won the $250 Gift card from Swanson's Home Hardware, and Mariam McKeen won the Night out at The Rangers Game.

Closing Remarks & Reminders