Winter Party Hosted by The Lodge at Woodcliff

Peter McCrossen, General Manager at the Lodge at Woodcliff is into Wish Granting. Peter donates his facility each year to host the annual Winter Party which raises funds for the athlete Wish list. He does more than that…he helps to donate prizes for the raffle and makes sure the finishing touches are part of the event with a great array of food and an every popular, “Make your Own Sundae” station.

Approximately 100 guests took advantage of the milder Winter weather and attended the event. Event Sponsors were The Thomas Group and Michael Petramalo, of the Morgan Stanley Group. Support sponsorship came from Amica Mutual Insurance Companies, Peter and Anne Kelderhouse, Sr. and Fairport Savings Bank.

Entertainment was provided by Music and Memories duo of Tom Nassman and Laurie DiVista. They even sang a few tunes with athletes accompanying them. Highlight of their performance was their musical rendition of the Auctioneer which capped off a wonderful program.

Auctioneer Carol Ritter Wright helped Special Olympics by auctioning off a Red Wings Package and some Square Dance Lessons. Spikes’ was on hand, guided by Will Rumbold to help kick off and announce the date of the 2006 Spikes’ Hike which is Saturday, May 27th at Frontier Field. Brian Gundy, top fundraiser since the event began was on hand to collect kudos for his fundraising efforts over the years. He usually tries to raise the amount of the year we are in and usually surpasses that as he did in 2005 raising $2300. Brochures were on hand for 2006 donated by DPI printing and Mason, Selkowitz, McDermott Marketing.

Highlight of the evening for the coaches and athletes in attendance were the sports items donated for the athlete wish list. Top donors this year were John and Martha Dreste who throw a party each holiday season and ask that guests support the wish list with sports donations. Coaches in attendance were from Rochester City School #29, CDS, School of the Holy Childhood, Heritage Christian Services, Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, York Central and BOCES, BOCES #1, and Lifetime Assistance.

The wish list is ongoing throughout the year and will be printed in each newsletter. Several coaches have handed in new lists included in this issue.

Thanks to the Vietnam Vets “Registration Team” led by corporate advisory member, Pat Pudetti and to Director of Program, Steve Fuller, for the fun he provided in filling in as photographer and super bowl pool solicitor. Kudos also go to Don Alhart, emcee from 13 WHAM News for highlighting the prizes and providing some special “FUN MOMENTS” for the attendees. Last but not least Special Thanks to Peter McCrossen and his staff for the support they give the event each year.