Greetings CODA friends,
A year ago this week, CODA leadership stood together outside in the empty parking lot of Watterson Hall. After the last guest left, and the tables were cleared, and the food was put away, and the last box was packed into the trailer, we took a minute.
We had just organized our first fundraiser as a new political action group. We embraced the challenge. It was pretty darn successful. We were whipped dogs that night, but we did it.
And while we stood there under the vastness of a rural Texas night sky, someone said, ‘hey - if we make it through another year, and we want to have a second annual fundraiser, we should have it here. Just to commemorate tonight.’
One year later, here we stand. We turned the ‘if’ into a ‘when’. We organized our Second Annual FUNraiser at Watterson Hall. It was everything we could’ve hoped for and more. Twice as many people. Twice as much fun. Outstanding food and music. Candidates we are proud to support. And to cap it off, a silent auction that was a huge hit.
Many thanks to all who contributed to making our event a success.
Marie Blazek volunteered for the daunting role of organizing our silent auction. Thanks to Marie and her crew: Pam Vear, Trudy Maney, Dee Czora.
Marvin and Estella Elam of Goodies and Bits were responsible for the tasty BBQ.
Sheri Godwin created the scrumptious desserts.
Tim Cormie created and distributed the signs pointing the way to the event.
Mary Stiteler, Theresa Peery, Tim and Julie Cormie, Sheri Godwin, and Desiree Venable are our decorating dynamos.
Linda Allen, Steve and Lissa Johnston, and Estella Elam were our servers.
Jan Kuchel provided additional donations, for which those who benefited are very thankful.
We also want to thank all who contributed in other ways, by selling tickets, donating to the silent auction, and helping set up/clean up. It takes a village.
Thank you to all of the candidates who were able to join us at our event. Left to right:
Keynote Speaker Rep. James Talarico (not shown)
Cathy Meek, Smithville City Council Place 5
Kerry Fossler, Bastrop City Council Place 4
Theresa Boisseau, U.S. Congress Texas District 10
Desiree Venable, Texas House District 17
Tanya Lloyd, U.S. Congress Texas District 17
Joy Pardo, Caldwell County Tax Assessor
Holly Taylor, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1
Joseph B. Thompson, Bastrop County Commissioner Place 1
Maggie Ellis (not shown), Third Court of Appeals Place 2
In other news:
Thursday April 4 is the deadline to register to vote for the May 4 election. If you have questions, we can help.
Our next First Friday lunch will be April 5 at 1 p.m. in Bastrop at Las Cocinas.
We are looking for volunteers to phone bank for Maggie Ellis prior to her May 28 runoff.
Are you a VDR (Volunteer Deputy Registrar)? We can always use help registering new voters. Reply to this email or leave a comment.
Thanks for reading. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Until next time!