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*HOTEL: Make sure you mention the BI Celebration when booking your rooms to get the discount rate. The Hilton has undergone extensive renovations with at least a million dollars worth of improvements, and we're fortunate that they've agreed to keep their rates reasonable for us to continue with this venue.

*FOOD: We decided once again not to have another buffet dinner before the party predominantly due to the questionable number of attendees. We have to provide the Hilton with a head count and pay for the food regardless of whether enough people show up to eat it. We thought of taking advance reservations, but if we get a bad snowstorm (as we did in years past), then we're going to be really stuck. There's also the concern that more people would show up than what we had planned for, and we wouldn't want to have to turn anyone away. So no dinner this year, but we'll still have appetizers during the party. The Hilton offers tremendous food at The Spinnaker. There is also a wide variety of restaurants along 28th st.

*LIQUOR: Again, the Hilton is stocking us with their top shelf liquor for the same price we were paying for the well/rock gut, and we'll also be using larger glasses this year so you'll get more for your money. No more running down to the hotel bar to get a bigger or better drink ~ remember your drink $$$ at the party will ultimately benefit the Island community while your drink $$$ at the hotel bar will only benefit Paris. (And Lord knows, she doesn't need the money!)

*CHINESE AUCTION: Back again this year! This type of auction has proven to be a fun way to win some good stuff while at the same time raising even more money for the Island. In front of each item will be a sheet of paper with a designated number of lines (I think its twenty lines per item). People can then "buy a line" for any item they may be interested in. People can also buy more than one line for the same item to increase their chances of winning. Keep in mind; the odds are already set at one in twenty, and the more lines you buy, the better your odds. "Lines" cost anywhere from $5 to $25 depending on the value of the item. At 10-11pm, we'll pick up all the sheets and when the band takes a break, we'll draw numbers from a hat for each item. If we pull the number 7, then whosever name is on line number 7 is the winner of that item. Dave Westmaas (our esteemed President Diane's Husband) (CONGRATULATIONS!) will be coordinating this event. Last year this turned out very well for all. There were some very nice and interesting items auctioned off. Once again, this year, we plan to present some great opportunities/items to be bid on.

*RAFFLES: We still plan to have the 50/50 raffle and basket of joy. We also will continue to raffle off prizes from the door tickets so be sure to put your name on an entry slip when you arrive to be eligible for this drawing!

We're in desperate need of new pictures, so feel free to bring/send us your pics from party's past so we can add them accordingly. The BICGR continues its efforts to make these parties most enjoyable while creating opportunity to give back to the Island community. We welcome new members to help keep this tradition going, and look forward to seeing everyone! Slaintè!