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The 24th annual Dinner and Auction was once again held at the DaVinci Centre, with one of the biggest crowds in recent memory. The evening got started after Frank Edgson, presented the Alex Ross Honorary Patron Award to Fraser Dougall (Ray Dee accepted this award on behalf of Fraser Dougall), and the Henry J. Ackervall Award to Richard Pedersen, for their outstanding support and contributions to the NSSA.
The announcer for the evening was once again John Henderson, who ensured everyone was attentive to the program. Peter Kantola our volunteer auctioneer for the night made sure that everyone in the house was offered an opportunity to bid on the twenty-five quality items that that were up for auction. This was Peter's first auction for the NSSA and he did a great job.
Kevan Holroyd our treasurer, with assistance from John Swartout, Janet Perry and Nadine Fenton handled the financial transactions and kept the backroom chaos under control.
A special thank you must be given to Bill Boote of the Rivers Edge Fly Shop for his assistance in bringing our organization in contact with major sponsors. Another thank you goes out to the Canadian Tire Store on Arthur Street and the Power Centre who were very supportive and cooperative. The framing and artwork was expertly handled by the staff of The Picture Store and Framing Centre.
This year's auction received support from artists; Jane Grann, Joe Mikulinski, Paul Molnar, and Ray Swaluk, who all graciously donated their work to this organization. Other donators included Hilary Petrus (stone sculpture), Scott McFadden (custom designed Loomis fly/float fishing rod), Paul Facca (custom made fishing rod rack), and Cedric Knuckey for his custom made fishing rods.
Other businesses to support this evening were Play It Again Sports, Dougall Media, RiverSide Outdoors, Shimano, Dragon Hills Golf Course, Bob McKenzie, Islander Reels, Lakehead Roofing and Metal Cladding, A&R Ross Products Ltd., D&R Sporting Goods, Racco Industrial and Rugged Air, Cook Engineering, Peterson Machine and Supply Inc. Pritchard's Gun and Repair Service, North Country Cycle and Sport and Lund Canada, FRP Systems, Chris' Baits, Cabela's and Dan's Emergency Road Service.
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A very appreciative thank you to the following resort owners who generously donated fishing trips to this year's auction. Thank you Don Perry and Jim Hill owners of Sturgeon Lake Lodge, Robert and Mary Lindsey of Onaman River Resort, Barry Brown and Carolle Labonte of Browns' Clearwater West Lodge, Gary Lange of Bowman Island Charters, and Fran Koning of Colimar Lodge.
Also appreciated were the donations received from Trout Unlimited Canada, The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Restoration Inc. and the Current River Fish Club.
The NSSA is very grateful to all the businesses, artists, and individuals who by donating auction items, demonstrated that they believe in what this association stands for, and continue to support our efforts with their donations.
Dinner co-chairmen Larry Doggett, Frank Edgson with assistance from George Clark and Richard Pedersen worked to make this year's event another resounding success. Thanks also to members Ron Derkacz, for providing security and Randy Kelly for running the bar. Special thanks to our volunteers this year, Marj Doggeett, Donna Kelly, Peggy Derkacz and Gail Bruyere and Sherry Hamill.
Three very lucky individuals were the winners of the main draws; a 14ft Lund boat and trailer, a Tikka T-3 rifle, and a 12 ft Lund boat respectively. They were not the only winners, however, with over 370 prizes given out to those who were in attendance.
And finally, a very special thanks to all those who attended the Dinner Auction, for the support they continue to express, and for the encouragement that they offer to the members of the NSSA. We hope to see you again at what will be a very special 25th Annual Dinner Auction.
If we have forgotten anyone, please forgive us, your help was most appreciated.
— Frank Edgson
President NSSA
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