Our 10^th annual FATC charity dinner was a tremendous success with ninety-eight individuals signing up for the event. This year we invited the ladies which made it an even more enjoyable evening. For many it turned into a “date night”! All the ladies said they had a fun time and each one received a long stem rose from the FATC. We just might continue to have the ladies come out – they were more fun than the guys!

Our dinner this year was at the Andre’s West banquet hall, and they did an outstanding job. A big hit was the open bar as we enjoyed free libations throughout the night. The food was great, and everyone had plenty to eat. I think we all might see Andre’s West in the years to come.

This year’s charity dinner again supported our three charities; Casting for Recovery (women’s breast cancer), Project Healing Waters (injured active-duty military and veterans) and the Mayfly Project (mentoring to foster children). We do not have the totals that we brought in for our three charities during the dinner but on this night he had up to $7000 donated just from the dinner alone. We will tally other donations that came in earlier and pass along the final totals soon. Excellent job, guys!!!

The evening comprised of videos on our three charities, our 2021 year in Review video put together by Pete Drochelman (if you missed it look on our website at the bottom of the home page) and one special video to share with the wives on what graduation on the water is like with Kenny. We also played a heads or tails game with everyone for a dinner for two at Olive Garden. Scott Dougherty won that one. He had to get the correct coin toss six times in a row. According to Jim Craig you have a 1.75% chance to do that!

This year’s FATC award winners were Jim Craig – The Chairman’s “Going Above and Beyond” award, Dan Staggenborg – The Lew Smith “Spirit of Fly Fishing” award, and dual winners of the Bob Chott “Servants Heart” award were Mike Bisaga and John Muckerman. Rick Doerr received his Miles Meyer Memorial Fly Fishing Tournament plaque for 2022 and Bill Lowry received a framed picture for his work as the past Member at Large board member.

It was a fun night for all. I thank all of you that were able to make the dinner. And especially thankful for the nice texts and emails after the event. Well, another year down and more wonderful things to come. Do not miss next year’s charity dinner – you will regret it if you do.