Holiday Meeting Recap

The BMW ACA Holiday Meeting packed into Kuni BMW on December 10 with fun for all those attending. From RSVPs of over 75, the club put together a fun, relaxed and informative evening. Siraj brought his spectactular 1991 E30M3 track car and displayed it square in the middle of the showroom between the club banners and the festive large Christmas tree!  The evening kicked off with a mixer followed by all-attendee introductions.  Kuni GM Shannon Mornhinweg spoke to the group on the success of the store.  He relayed many new technological advancements and improvements BMW is bringing to the market in the coming years. Brent Beltz, Service Director, and Adam Murray, Internet Sales Director, described their roles and offered service to club members. 

Motorsports star and personality Cindi Lux headlined with an interesting video resume sharing her experiences. Her wealth of motorsports experience includes factory race teams, SCCA, and a multitude of interesting projects. The crowd loved her great jokes and stories.  Lifetimer Gordon Jones attended and joked with everyone about being a founding member of the car club.

Great refreshments and dinner greeted attendees! Laurel Ridge Winery tasted and poured their renowned Oregon red, white, and sparkling wines.  Thank you again for supporting the club!  The draped tables were tasteful and appropriate; with delicious catered Italian food featuring many varieties of pasta, meat, veg; accompanied by crudités, salad and four dessert flavors. 

BMW ACA Portland has been the Portland BMW club since 1971. Volunteers were recognized for their unselfish efforts that formed the backbone of club activities. Service awards and recognition were given to Mike Dawson, Greg Meythaler, Mike Christopherson, Gary Heller, Rob Musante, Thor Storfjell, Larry Kniess, Norm Reini, Eric Wishan, Dan Zimmerman, Cate Zimmerman, and David Gaab. Businesses honored for their support included Rasmussen BMW (Pete Perez), Kuni BMW (Brent Beltz), Pacific Motorsports (Mark Dikeos), Pro-Tek Automotive (Mike Christopherson), and Gallagher Detailing (Scott Gallagher). BMW ACA Member of the Year award for outstanding support and contribution to the overall success and activities of the club was handed to Cate Zimmerman.

Charity giving continued in 2009 with gifts to Emmanuel Children's Hospital, Doernbecher's Children's Hospital.  A number of other local charitable organizations also received support from the club, in spite of the economic conditions.  It was also announced that the popular Toy Drive will return next year in December 2010.

2010 has been planned to be a drama-free, relaxed and fun year. Grab a few friends or the significant other and come to the all-new general meetings, drives, or the famous HPDE.