Yesterday evening hundreds gathered for “Bays’ BIG NIGHT” at the JBAA Clubhouse. The fundraiser for our Youth Development Program was a massive success.
In total, there were 176 attendees. So many, in fact, that celebrity chefs Peter Zambri and Danielle Mereu had to put on two separate seatings. The engaged audience made a for a loud upstairs (and equally loud downstairs), but the sound from the accordions of The Gypsy Belles endured throughout the night.
President John de Goede spoke briefly at the start of dinner: thanking all the volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the event a success; recognizing all those in attendance for their support; acknowledging all those Bays in the room who have or who are currently representing Canada; and, of course, making sure every-last-attendee sang a loud “Happy 98th Birthday” for longtime Bay, Lewis Madley, author of “JBAA: The First Hundred Years.” Lew spoke briefly to the audience, sharing an anecdote or two, and, most important of all, he blew out all 98 candles on his cake. Thank you, Lew, for all of your service to JBAA!
The JBAA Youth Program is strong. Boys and girls under the age of 19 representing JBAA outnumber senior players by a 3:1 ratio. Our youth program is a success as a result of the countless volunteers who work tirelessly to make the program a success. Many were working hard last night, so many thanks each and every one of you.
Our usual scribe, Phil Meyer, decked out in his famous JBAA bear sweater, approached me after dinner and demanded I put out a summation of the evening (and reference him too), so here you are, Phil. Thank you for making sure we could articulate the importance and success of last night.
Finally, a Dave Ramsey led, Premier Reserve packed, JBAA Third Division defeated Comox yesterday afternoon at MacDonald Park.
Thank you to every last attendee, volunteer, and JBAA supporter
Huddy, Huddy, all you Bays!