People began arriving before noon on Sunday, December 6^th, for the annual Austin Healey Club of Oregon Christmas Party.  Some folks actually drove their Healeys since it was dry, including two brave, but frozen souls, who travelled sans top.  Perhaps Santa will bring them one for Christmas.  The Eastmoreland Golf Club had recently been re-modeled and now was beautifully bedecked for the holiday season – ready to greet Healey Club folks.

We had two hours to have some Christmas cheer, mix, mingle, meet new people, and catch up with old friends, while also bidding on (and sometimes winning) some great silent auction items.

At 2:15 pm, The Eastmoreland staff served a delicious brunch, featuring prime rib, eggs benedict, fruit, salads, and a variety of desserts.  Many folks, out of the 56 or so present, went back for seconds.  There was more food than you’d think we’d ever eat, but by the time people went back for seconds, it was pretty well gone.  It was good stuff!

With the meal over and drinks replenished, our President, Jeff Mach, shared a few words.  Jeff thanked everyone for coming, thanked everyone for their volunteer efforts, and thanked the 2009 officers for their service this past year.

Then, it was time to start the oral auction.  As usual, Tom Monaco served as grinch auctioneer, with Jeff as his right hand man.  They took us through lots of great items with precision and a generous amount of humor.  There were many good bargains had among the silent auction and oral auction items, the proceeds from which will benefit the Club’s charity fund.

What a day!  We acquainted ourselves with members whom we’d not met before (some of whom have belonged to the Club for many years) along with some brand new members.  We shared many laughs, had a delicious brunch together, and left with some nifty auction items.  The event came off without a hitch and the party was a rap by 4:15 pm.

Despite the fact that the Club has several good photographers, they either didn’t attend the party or left their cameras home, so no publishable photos of the event have surfaced.  Bet that won’t happen again!

Here are a few comments left by party-goers:

Thanks so much for the great banquet – Bruce and I had a wonderful time and am so relived that you and Skip helped me find my purse!  I set it at the wrong table (that was before the wine!).  – Bruce & Kerri Harding

Enjoyable afternoon, nice people and good brunch — we recommend the Healey Christmas Party and Charity Auction.  – Michael & Wanda Hartfield

Great party, we really enjoyed ourselves.  – Dick & Gerry Lynch

Beautiful venue, great food, met a lot of fun people, & the auction was a blast.  – Brian & Kerry O’Boyle

I had a wonderful time! Jeff and co. organized the timing so we had  2+ hours to mingle and participate in the silent auction. Brunch was next with mouthwatering goodies. The oral auction ended the event and only took a half an hour. (Thanks, Tom for cutting the time down. It was perfect!) The Golf Club had their usual Christmas glitter all around: 3 decorated trees, classy new black chairs and wreathes (what seemed like) everywhere. A terrific way to start the holidays! A big thanks to Jeff and the Charity Committee.  – Jan Whittlesey

Had a good time at Xmas party.  We stayed as long as we could, but I was on call that day, and sure enough, I got called in.  – Jeff & Lisa Brown

We had a great time.  It’s good to get to know fellow club members outside of tech sessions and road trips!  – Dick & Kappy Lenahan

I thought Jeff and the charity committee did a great job putting together the Christmas party, meal, and auction. It went very well and was enjoyed by all that attended, I’m sure. Thank you to each and every one of you. It was a fun day.  – John Meyer

Here’s a hearty Thank You! to everyone who helped stage the event!   This was our 1st AHCO event and we really enjoyed ourselves, met a lot of really nice people, ate good food, thought the golf course was a great place & just had a great time.  We enjoyed the auction & think you have picked some really deserving charities to help. We are looking forward to the next event.  – Don & Sharon Slaybaugh 

The AHCO holiday party was well organized providing a friendly social  environment for making new/continuing former acquaintances while at  the same time providing outreach to the community at large and a  monetary contribution to the needy during this holiday season.  – Del Allen

As the out-going president of Oregon Mini Society – and an AHCO member – I have to say that the AHCO tradition of a Christmas Party / Auction for Charity is what inspired our club to begin such a giving tradition!  These clubs aren’t here for “profit”, and the moneys we do accumulate need to be put to good use.  Our OMS Christmas party has become such a sharing event, with the annual Oregon Food Bank drive plus donating a percentage of our holdings to two local charities.  In addition we do a gift exchange and pot-luck dinner.  My hat’s off to the AHCO Charity Committee for their hard work in gathering and then auctioning off those items!  The money garnered will certainly help someone in need this Holiday Season!  PS . . . the grub and companionship were excellent, too!  A good group of car folks!  – Craig House, President, OMS and Portland ABFM Committee Member

Thanks for your efforts to put on another great AHCO holiday party!  Good friends, good food, good venue, great auction (silent and oral).  Happy holidays to all!  – Bob & Jean Bennett

Thank you for all your hard work. It was a great event and we really enjoyed ourselves.  – Rick and Iva Curry