[OhBuoy]

I think AJ meant that the fling was better than last year. I would not be surprised if the amount raised came under last year. Expenses were lower, however, I do not think as much was raised on auction items. I do not know how much they raised for the car raffle. In any event, whatever dollar amount we as a family raised for CF, we should be proud that we are trying to make a difference for the futures of some children who really need it. I personally do not attend the fling for a thank you. It is about family and helping a cause. If you gave rides of any type, you know from the look on your passenger's face that they are glad that we took over their town. I was fortunate enough to give rides to a CF volunteer and the head of catering for the park. I know that they appreciate our effort. Hopefully Ed and Randy will have good news for us on a total sometime in the near future, as well as about the future of the fling. I hope Ed and Randy decide to carry on the banner. If they did not, I find it hard to beleive that the Fling will die an easy death, but there is something behind these two gentlemen that allowed them to pull this off four years in a row with very limited resources. As Arcenio says, try getting your family gathered for a family picture, that is hard enough! Try getting 300+ cars, maybe 600 people, two (maybe more) police departments, a city, a state park and all the other tidbits together with the limited resources that these gentlmen have. There are entire committees that put on annual events like this, with planners, large budgets and all. And these two, and their few helpers have full time jobs and/or businesses to run. I know that there are a lot of volunteers to help out with this or that, but in the end, many of those volunteers family or work lives take them away from what they sign up for.

What ever the amount raised, bless this wonderfull Cobra family and the Dad and Son that have brought the group together for 4 years straight with many hurdles in the way.

Thank you or not from CF, I know that they appreciate it. I know Dave Smith appreciates the effort that goes in for his Daughter's name and to fight for a cure for a disease that has affected his family.

Thank you to the wonderfull Cobra family for joining in London Ohio and giving yet another reason to own one of these cars.

If you feel that the amount raised could be higher, organise local events to raise money. Granted, a drag strip collecting $10/ride may not fly in most areas, how about letting parents get a picture of their child in your car for $10.00 a donation at the next car show. (I would do it for free anyways, but hey, just a thought). Hosting a local picnic? Split the proceeds of your next poker run? There are many ways to help, and there are also many charities. Want to make a real difference, find a way that you can give rides to some kids whose medical condition may not give them the chance to build or own a dream car (or a car for that matter) like we have.