Since our huge June club meeting at which we discussed the challenges hosting our annual event in April 2024, much progress has been made. This communication is to update you on that progress, and ask one last time for your participation.

The June club meeting produced many great ideas for finding both funding and volunteers for Party Pardee. We have run down those paths and many more. To see the detail of that work, please check out the What's New page.

At the June club meeting, Rick Kozlowski stepped up to Captain merchandise sales and Larry Ng and Steve Cimini stepped up to Captain Rest Stop 1. Shortly after the meeting Meigan Sokol stepped up to Captain Home Base Decorations. Thank you to these members for filling these important roles. Then some really big news --- Bill Lane has stepped up to Chair the event with Mark Munguia as Co-Chair. Bill is actively gathering and researching the background materials to get fully up-to-speed on the event in short order.

So you are asking yourself --- are we having Party Pardee 2024??? Not yet!!! Two of the most challenging positions are still to be filled ---- Captain of Road Signs and Captain of Parking (job descriptions at the link above). If you have been thinking "I'll do it if no one else will", it is time to "DO IT". Food for thought --- there has been a theme throughout this last couple of months with members stepping forward in pairs. If you are uncomfortable doing the job alone, join the team with a buddy to share it with.

As we discussed our challenges with many organizations outside of our Bike Hiker family, we have been consistently hit with the surprise comments "No, no, Party Pardee has to happen! It always happens! It's the best way to start the biking season. I love your ride!" We are so close, but we are not yet there. If Road Signs and Parking Captains are not filled by our mid-September Board meeting, Party Pardee 2024 will be cancelled --- there is no wiggle room here.

Reply to this email if you are considering volunteering so we can discuss it. Let's get this event over its final hurtle, host our great regional ride, and keep our club on solid financial ground. At this point it really is up to you.

Thanks for considering your contribution,

Ken