Thanks to SRM "Operation Graduation" participants

I wanted to extend a huge "Thanks!" to everyone who participated in Operation Graduation by bringing Pat Koch a graduation card. I have yet to find out just how many cards she received - perhaps Paula will enlighten us? - but from the looks of the crowd at dinner Saturday night it seemed she received a ton.

Matthew [who was the guy who cut in on wrestler Mitch Foley to dance with Pat]

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NUTS - National Union of Thrill Seekers! [Brought to you by the maker of 'LoCoSuMo!']

So that was you! LOL.....that took guts! Thank you for heading up the operation. I was also thrilled to see so many cards and gifts. Paula wrote me but didn't mention how many.
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Brad Sherman
BuzzCon Frequent Flyer, helping to train new ride ops properly!
Model coasters and rides

Thanks for setting that up, it added so much to a great weekend.

By the way, I had a revelation the other day. Being the detective that I am, I realized a couple days ago that you are the person who stepped on my foot leaving Indiana Beach on Sunday after SRM. Had I realized this at the time I would have introduced myself, so here is a belated "hi."

Chris "This ride[Cornball Express] is just so funny to me." Baran

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"He's blazin' away like the stars in the universe.." A. Vega + M. Rev "Ghostrider"

Someday there will be something here.

I met 'moosh in real life (so to speak) for the first time at SRM.....good seeing you, finally. Thanks for heading up the "Operation", it really felt good to express to Mrs. Koch in written form what her family and park mean to us.....the place is special BECAUSE the people are special.

Can't believe how many were at IB on Sunday....we did the 4 o'clock ride session and ran into just a couple enthusiasts....

Still not sure I'd have cut in...;)...but thank you for setting it up!

Ahhh, so you're the brave soul who took his life in his hands and cut in on Mick Foley. You're a brave man. Coasters? No problems. Skydiving? I'm sure hoping. Cutting in on Foley? Not a chance! :-0

Seriously though, thanks for putting everything together. It was a great turn out and a fantastic time. I only wish that more people had been quiet when they were introducing Mick and congratulating Mrs. Koch. Sure seemed a bit on the rude side. But except for that it was an awesome time!

edit- oh, BTW, our group was out at IB on Sunday also, but we were pulling out by about 4pm to head off to chicago. Don't know if we ran into you there or not. We were a group of 5 guys, with me at 32 being the "old man" of the group.

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Sometimes it's up. Sometimes it's down.
But with God, life is one thrill ride that you'll never regret being on.

*** This post was edited by Sir Willow on 6/12/2002. ***

I'm not sure who it was but one of the gifts that Pat was carrying around with her was really cool. It was a little rollercoaster track running across what if I remember correctly was the word contratulations and mounted on a wooden mortarboard. You could tell just by looking at it that someone spent a lot of time putting it together.

aReJay

yeah, good job mamoosh..it was nice to meet you and many other CBuzzers.... I put 20 bucks in my card to her... for the HW "We need a Dark Ride fund".. she got a kick out of it considering I talked to her about it that morning for about 30 mins. She and I both want one BAD. Now, we have to convince Will. COME ON WILL, JOIN THE BANDWAGON!

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WCUSA-The World's largest theme park is coming!
Theme parks will NEVER be the same!

aReJay,

I believe I heard that gift was made by ArrowGuy...but I'm not positive...

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Posting, "Me too" like some brain dead AOLer. I ought to to the world a favor, and cap you like old yeller...

Quite possibly, but I wasn't the only one with a "3-D" card if you will!.......you can see mine here. Love that sig redman! Great album....
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Brad Sherman
BuzzCon Frequent Flyer, helping to train new ride ops properly!
Model coasters and rides

That's pretty nice, Brad. Maybe you should look into a marketing deal. I know I'd buy one.

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Jeff-Jeff
Wood - Raven
Steel - Millennium Force
Generic, isn't it?

I just checked with Mrs. Koch, and she said she received about 200 graduation cards at Stark RAVEN Mad! She was totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness--thanks to everyone who took part.

As to Mamoosh's bravery in cutting-in during Mick Foley's dance... I think maybe the bottom line is that 'Moosh was more scared of *me* than the wrestling icon! :) After Mick and Mrs. Koch danced for a bit, I scanned the crowd and caught Matthew's eye and mouthed, "Cut in!"

And, by golly, he did!

Then Paul Drabek cut in, then Scott Holmes, followed up by Mike Dearmond, and finally PTC's Tom Rebbie.

It really was a lovely moment. I kept picturing Mr. Koch up in heaven chuckling heartily. He always loved to see Mrs. Koch laughing and having fun.

By the way, thanks to all the SRMers who doled out some serious dough at the auctions we held. We raised $1,716 for the Make A Wish Foundation (in honor of Mick Foley spending that Saturday at Holiday World with two Make A Wish children).

It was an SRM to remember! Paula

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Paula Werne
Director of Public Relations
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Santa Claus, Ind.
JPWerne@holidayworld.com

Thanks for the update, Paula. Good to hear Pat enjoyed it.

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NUTS - National Union of Thrill Seekers! [Brought to you by the maker of 'LoCoSuMo!']

Arrow Guy, That is the one I was referring to. Man do I have a horrible memory. I had the coaster on top of the words instead of the accurate description.

aReJay