Thanks from Palmer Hay Flats

To the editor:

On Friday, Sept. 17, Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats held its first Family Spaghetti Dinner at the Kendall Park Octagon building, and those in attendance were not disappointed with the quality or quantity of this fun and filling fundraiser. A group of more than 40 APH members and fans turned out to show their support for our enhancement efforts at the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge while feasting on spaghetti with a choice of sauces, garlic bread, salad, and, in keeping with the Italian dinner theme, spumoni ice cream and brownies!

Of course, as with most events, there are many people and businesses to thank for making our function the success it was. Thank you to Alaska Job Corps for not only sending us a wonderful intern from their work-based learning program, Natalie McCullough, who played a large role in coordinating the event, but also for baking the delicious brownies and bread and providing chafing dishes to help keep the food warm and a volleyball to help burn it off afterward. Many thanks also go to the following local businesses and individuals for their generous support and participation: Three Bears, Carrs, Target, VCRS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Special Events Party Store and Randy Robinson.

Sincere appreciation goes to all the volunteers who pitched in to make it happen, including APH members, board members, family and friends who did everything from blowing up balloons to cooking and serving spaghetti with a smile! To borrow a little literary license from IHOP, everybody came hungry and left happy, so kudos to the volunteer chefs at our event and at Job Corps for a delicious fall feast.

Most of all, thanks to everyone who came out to support our organization — your support and involvement are deeply appreciated, and will help us continue our efforts to make “your” Refuge a safe, accessible, more beautiful and enjoyable place to recreate, in all seasons. See you at the Refuge!

Randi Perlman

Wasilla