Members' Night 2016

It’s becoming an annual tradition for the Snark of the Universe to participate in the Members’ Night Reverse Draw and Dinner hosted in Vancouver by Club #48. Jay Puder and the board pulled off a successful sold-out event this year, with more than 140 members in attendance including Hoo-Hoos from neighbouring clubs.
 
The Terminal City Club provides an elegant venue for the networking event. Past President Lloyd Brown opened the program—introducing the new Club #48 president, Jake Power. Jake welcomed members and recognized special guests before inviting the guest of honour – Snark of the Universe, Kent Bond to the podium. Promising an eight-minute speech Kent shared his definition of what it means to be a Hoo-Hoo and why the club is so important to the forestry sector. As a token of gratitude for his participation, Jake presented Kent with a traditional Squamish First Nation, Yellow Cedar talking stick carved by local artist Jim Yelton. The talking stick is symbol of authority used by aboriginal leaders. Kent’s stick is topped with an Eagle – representing power and prestige – and the face of a Chief, appropriate as Kent is the “Chief Hoo-Hoo”!
 
Rameses Jim Spiers led a hearty rendition of the Hoo-Hoo Yell to kick off the event. The Reverse Draw puts everyone in attendance into a draw for $2,500. As names are pulled, Hoo-Hoos bet amongst each other paying out “Toonies and Loonies” as they are eliminated from the draw. This year, the first one out was Jesse Ingram. First-out pays the most in personal bets, but is compensated with a cheque for $250. The final five are given the option to share the pot, or go to the end. This year, the consensus was draw to the final man standing. Brad Meeker won the big cash prize – and then generously donated it back to Club #48’s primary charity – the Evans Lake Forestry Camp. Congratulations Brad, and a big thank you from everyone!
 
Other winners included Shawn Munson – who won our Booze Barrow draw! A great way to make new friends – Shawn went home with $500 in liquid happiness! Table stakes go to the last man standing at each table and the Snark took the pot at his table!
 
Club #48 is already planning next year’s reverse draw and would like to extend an invitation to members from neighbouring clubs to join the party!

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