Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade - President Bob (Cooch) Kuczera's Column

President's Column #6 May 2005

A Message from TFT Parade President Robert Kuczera

As you know we recently had our elections and basically all the positions were uncontested. Therefore, it seems that either the membership is satisfied with our structure or many of our dedicated volunteers cannot dutifully commit themselves. I applaud all those returning and thank them for sticking around another year: Pat Quinn, Lester Fortier (newly elected VP), Tommy Rotto, Peggy Estes, Tom Froehlich, and Kevin Curth .You all accomplished what in the history of the Parade was determined as the largest ever. Thank you for your continuing dedication to serve as officers. Jack Voss and Tommy Yarber were also part of the team that set the record. They both decided to tend to more personal matters and, respectfully, did not run for office for 2005. They are both tremendous assets and will remain as volunteers.

So first off, I would like to thank Jack "Howdy" Voss, who decided to spend more time on his farm. Kidding! What did he do for us anyway? He gave us five years of dedication as the Bylaws and Historian coordinator. He introduced us to the electronic age with a web site via his sidekick Ed May, that has been applauded by everyone. As you know, his Updates and message board maintenance really has become a major communication asset for us. He still will be maintaining these communications despite his stepping down. His library of videos could someday be made into a montage of historical TFT episodes. He was our Ed McMahon for our CAN-TV shows. He scripted for us a much needed membership handbook. He coordinated our first TFT motorcycle and auto plates, along with the help of friend Jack Wheeler. Those plates were even known to help out in avoiding traffic citations. He assisted with whispers at the meeting for correcting our errors as he always had dates and events at hand. You were also a very good indiscreet note-taker when needed. You did whatever was asked, and you could always count on Jack to do it. We know the distance factor was a major reason for your departing but we also know when it comes to your help you will never be that far away.

Ditto to Tom "Big Daddy" Yarber for stepping up to be the Vice-President. He definitely made it easier for me and helped us in moving forward. His dedication, along with Claudia, in chairing our well-experienced Toy Committee gave them some extra hands needed in that department. His toy box request forms made our members more accountable to the Toy Committee. Thanks for networking to the younger generations and educating our future volunteers via the schools you worked with. The initiation of both Argos and Kelly High Schools involvement with us has set some basis groundwork so that we may pass the torch to our teenagers in the future. Thanks for talking the TFT talk wherever he could, whenever you could. Thanks for proposing the first form of incentive reward to the membership. You can keep the $1,000,000 in TFT bucks until you have it officially rolled out. Does the Orangeman know about this reward system? Lastly, thanks for continuing in assisting us in other ways, collectibles, swap meets, Green Ribbon, as you always have done.

We know that when a hand is needed they both will always still be available. Good luck to both of them in their time off as officers. But we know we can still count on both of them as committed TFT volunteers.

Welcome aboard newly elected Andy Strzemp (By-Laws/ Historian/Collectibles) and Frank Moraza (Sgt.at Arms/ Toys), you both have big shoes to fill but are indeed capable of wearing them. They both have been around for a while and are experienced in both of the areas they will be chairing. Hopefully their new suggestions and ideas will make things even better. Each of the committees they will be chairing have some great staffing, so their tasks should not be that difficult. Do not hesitate to contact those who led the way before. We know that their commitments and sincerity to fulfill our objectives will be well served during their terms. Also welcome Lester Fortier for moving up to second-in-command as Vice President. Lester's years of service with the Board and his observational wisdom will help keep us intact when we slip once in a while. As you all know, we have our worked cut out for us this year. Do not plan on The Parade getting any smaller. Our task at hand once again this year will not be any easier. The Parade will be under a microscope due to the magnitude it has grown and sadly because of a loss of a gentleman by the name of Frank Greisto. Our job again this year will be to communicate and to educate all about how The Parade happens and to seek and find more HELP. So good luck to the Board, and if anything be sure to recruit from our membership to help you. . We have volunteers available. Seek and find them because as officers we cannot do it all, but we can accomplish much if we use those volunteers whom want to help.