2012 GOODWILL MEMBER OF THE YEAR

I was personally thrilled and ecstatic to receive the following message from my District 17 Board Member, Bonnie Bagley:

The National Goodwill Committee of the ACBL is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Goodwill Member of the Year. We bestow this annual honor upon an ACBL member who has continually exhibited unselfish dedication to the causes of good conduct, ethical behavior and who has made bridge contributions above and beyond the call of duty.

We invite you to nominate an outstanding fellow ACBL member from your bridge community who qualifies for this honor by submitting your candidate’s detailed qualifications, in writing no later than October 14, 2011 for the upcoming presentation. District & Unit Boards may submit nominations only; we are unable to accept nominations from an individual.

We have changed the format from past years. Because of the late Norman Kay’s wishes to honor the winner in a manner befitting someone worthy of this honor, a Fund was created to reward the recipient by presenting to him or her complimentary air transportation (if appropriate), two night’s lodging, three day’s per diem food allowance and free bridge entries for one day.

Norman Kay’s intent was that our winner will reign as Bridge Queen or King for a day and not have the dubious vicarious thrill of enjoying the presentation over the telephone! What could be more exciting than to have the Goodwill Member of the ACBL on hand at the Goodwill Reception . . . before a cheering crowd of fans and well-wishers!

When our Committee has made their selection, the District or Unit President will be notified of the successful nomination and we will work out the details of arranging the victor’s trip. The ideal situation is to keep it a secret, but in most cases the honoree is not a regular participant at the Nationals so it would be rather difficult. We will cross that bridge later!!!

It is now time to start thinking about your candidate . . . or if you have nominated someone in the past that has not been chosen Goodwill Member of the Year, whom you feel is of the honor . . . feel free to re-submit or revise your letter. Nominations should be mailed to ACBL, Chairman, Goodwill Committee, 6575 Windchase Blvd, Horn Lake, MS 38637.

In addition to the above recognition, the prestigious Platinum Pairs was also named for Norman in 2011.   Now the respected and revered partnership of Kaplan-Kay will both be honored by the ACBL and their fans via the Edgar Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs and now the Norman Kay Platinum Pairs.   They both served our game with honor, talent and  dignity.