I write this column having just enjoyed the Club’s Holiday Party at the Shoreline Yacht Club. We had a great turnout of nearly 70 on a beautiful day by the Bay.
Thanks again to George and Teresa Merino, Yacht Club members, for making it possible for us to use the facility (and special thanks this year for the FREE parking!).
It was also heartwarming to see the HUGE box of toys that were donated to Toys for Tots. Healey people are some of the most generous around! Speaking of generous, you may have noticed in last month’s column that your Club made a $2000 donation to the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo to help fund a youth Amphicar restoration project. I am pleased to announce that this month the Club also made a $1000 donation to the International Healey Museum in the Netherlands (www.healeymuseum.nl). As most of you know, this facility is the true home of Healey History, having been established some years ago to protect and preserve our car’s heritage. I, and a group of other Club members, were fortunate to have visited the Museum last June. Not only were we greeted with open arms, but we were blown away by the displays of cars, memorabilia and archives being maintained for posterity. The Museum is certainly worthy of our support and should be on every Healey lovers "Bucket List”.
Lest you think we have gone nuts and are giving away all our funds, let me assure you that the Club is very financially sound, and membership is at near record levels. The Club is not in business to make money, but to support the enjoyment and promotion of Healey automobiles and the vintage car hobby in general. Despite our low dues, the Club is run frugally and with little overhead and so generally enjoys a little surplus at years end. So, at this time of year, why not spread a little joy? If you have an idea about a worthy cause, particularly if it is car related, please let me know.
Finally, on the subject of Membership, if you have not already done so, please renew now. You can do it quickly and easily on the Club website, www.austin- healey.org, or by mail. While you are at it, please also check your personal details in your membership file, with special attention to your email address. Having valid emails for all members is vital to our communication with you.
All the Best in the New Year and may you be blessed with a Healey that runs like a Swiss watch!