2009 Banquet is a Success

Bob O’Connor, Banquet Committee Chairman

In a challenging year that saw the collapse of the real estate market, the U.S. economy reeling under a record number of home foreclosures, the international credit markets frozen and the world economy facing a near-record decline, the 2009 Banquet night turned out to be a surprising success.

110 Chapter members and guests attended this year’s event. And from the comments the Banquet committee received throughout the evening, a change in venue from the Santa Fe Hilton to the Inn and Spa at the Loretto seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.

The evening started out with our usual cocktail hour to allow those who attended to catch up with old friends and peruse a wide array of guided fishing trips, custom-made fly rods, artwork, the RGCT Checkerboard Auction and other items generously donated by members and friends of TU to help support the work of Truchas Chapter throughout the year.

A wonderful dinner was then followed by guest speakers Dave and Emily Whitlock who gave a lively, amusing and well-rehearsed talk about their unique hopper fishing experience at El Saltamontes Lodge in the remote back country of Chile. This was followed by a first: Truchas Chapter’s first live auction hosted (by the seat of his pants) by Banquet Chairman and first-time auctioneer Bob O’Connor to kick off the Chapter’s latest initiative, the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program (TCYEP).

After several rounds of furious bidding, the winning bid came from avid sportsman Fred Klinghoffer and set an all-time Banquet record for a single item. The prize – 3 days fishing, 2 nights accommodations with full guide service and meals included at the Brazos River Ranch – was donated by owner and outfitter Bo Prieskorn. The proceeds from the live auction became the first seed capital to fund the Chapter’s efforts in youth education for 2009­2010 (see related article).

In a year that saw the Chapter significantly expand its conservation and restoration mission, we know we could not even begin to do what we do without your continued and generous support. Thank you!

THANK YOU!

We are indebted to our generous donors, all of whom contributed to the success of our Banquet. Please offer them your thanks, too, when you see them!

Vermejo Park Ranch

Ayala's Lodge on the San Juan

Rudy Rios

High Desert Angler

The Reel Life of Santa Fe

Bo Prieskorn & Brazos River Ranch

Tom Melk & Corkins Lodge

Minnette Burges & Cimarroncita Ranch

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Pecos National Historical Park

Jan Crawford and Jim Loud

Arnold Atkins

Dale Heinemann &
New Mexico Outdoors Real Estate

Donn & Pam Duncan

Toner Mitchell

Jim Benenson & Stonefly Rods

Ten Thousand Waves

Ed Schulz

Everett Groseclose

Frank Weissbarth

Doug McKnight

William Bill Shay

Robert Shay

Seth Davis

Matt Clifton & the Octagon Inn

Frank Adelo

Greg McReynolds
Century Bank
Taos Ski Valley, Inc.

Ken North

Gary Moran & Pacific Designs

Norman Maktima

As a special thank you to our Banquet guest speakers, Chapter member Donn Duncan hosted a short fishing expedition at his home on the Pecos in Tres Lagunas.
Thank you Donn!