The board of directors of The Anglers started kicking around the idea of a tenth anniversary celebration sometime in 1994. I remembered volunteering to chair the event and had visions of one heck of a party.
We wanted a party, and that is exactly what we had.
One April 27, approximately two hundred friends and supporters of the Au Sable gathered at Hidden Valley resort in Gaylord to celebrate the first ten years of The Anglers of the Au Sable, and to affirm their love of our very special river.
It was decided early on that the event would be a casual and comfortable affair with the only dress requirement being that fishermen check their waders at the door.
Judging by the smiling faces, busy bartenders, servers ferrying mass quantities of hors d'oeuvres and the general loud hum of intermingling conversations, it appears that a great time was had by everyone.
Perhaps the chef did not have as much fun as we did, but he must enjoy his work. He and his staff prepared 200 excellent meals. The food was wonderful, well-presented, and served quickly. What more could we ask.
My sincere thanks to those who donated items to the silent auction and raffle. For an event that was more party than fund-raiser we did quite well. Due to the kindness of our donors and the generosity of our guests who supported the auction and raffle, the Anglers netted approximately $9,000.
Thank you all so much. Rest assured that the money will be wisely used.
Another special thanks goes out to Dan Drislane who did a great deal of the leg work. His assistance was invaluable and greatly appreciated.
I still hear regularly from some of those who attended the party. They all had a great time and it seems they want us to do it again. I am confident that we will have another celebration down the road.
It was a pleasure and an honor to chair this event. Thank you all. RWOL
© Copyright 1997 - , Anglers of the Au Sable, Inc. All rights reserved. Last modified: June 18, 2002
