Our 2023 Holiday Party
was a Wonderful Night
of Friendship and Merriment
Our 65th Annual Holiday Gathering took flight again in the only local venue dedicated to the world of flight, and for the second year in a row, it was a roaring success.
The Lyon Air Museum was our destination, and once more we had a record number of guests turn out for the event. Situated on the backside of John Wayne Airport, the Lyon provided an impressive setting for the party. With its extensive array of authentic aircraft, rare vehicles, and related memorabilia, the museum highlights the important role our nation has played in shaping the modern world through captivating, thought provoking exhibits.
However, as with previous parties, socializing proved the evening’s most popular activity, as was evident in the many happy, animated discussions seen around the room all evening.
Pictures of the Evening's Festivities
can be Viewed Here . . .
After a delightful dinner, it was time for the evening’s “business,” and it too proved a moment of merriment for all. Outgoing OCWA President Dave Jones passed the gavel to Incoming President Candice Espinoza. Candice then presented Dave with a commemorative award for his service, a beautiful crystal water drop on a base of black marble. Inscribed on the plaque, Dave was commended for his “exemplary leadership” throughout his tenure.
Candice then introduced OCWA’s 2023 Board officers: Vice President Derek Kurtti, Treasurer Dave Jones, and Secretary Taryn Kjoling, along with returning Board Director Todd Dmytryshyn, and the Board’s newest Directors, Sarina Sriboonlue and Michelie Little.
And then it was time for the evening’s opportunity drawing.
We were blessed this year to have – yet again – a record number of Sponsors. With their support, a great many opportunity prizes were awarded to our many winners. Among the many prizes were a Samsung 70" Crystal UD television, an Aeronautics 1080 Drone, two different sets of bluetooth speakers, a Sharper Image Power Percussion massager, a Celestron Omni AZ telescope, a Haze Folding Electric Bicycle, a Nintendo video game, a Shark Automatic Vacuum, Whistle Epic Whiskey, a collection of fine wines, and a tasty gift pack. In addition, there were numerous gift certificates and a nice selection of prime beverages to help with some lucky winner’s holiday cheer. To top the evening, Civiltec Engineering provided sets of tickets for various local sporting events, including L.A. Lakers tickets. Some very generous, well-received prizes.
For a complete listing of this year’s sponsors,
please visit the Holiday Party Sponsors section of our website.
Gifts for our guests weren’t the only presents distributed. Through the generosity of our attendees, an incredible number of toys were collected for the Orange County Fire Authority’s “Spark of Love Toy Drive” for underserved children and teens throughout the county. The Orange County Water Association is very grateful to all our guests for their generous support in this worthy endeavor.
The OCWA Board of Directors would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who helped organize and plan this year’s Holiday Party. In addition to our many Sponsors this year, without whom our event would not be possible, we are indebted to both Jill Zander, from Michael Baker International, and Michelie Little, from MKN Associates, whose efforts both before, and during, the event ensured the evening’s success.
Should any readers have ideas for next year’s Party, or wish to volunteer their services, we encourage you to contact any of the Board members. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
We were happy to see so many new faces at this year’s event. After enjoying an evening of merriment with us, we hope you’ll join OCWA, to take advantage of the many networking and educational opportunities our Association offers.
With wishes for all for a happy and prosperous New Year, we hope to see you again at next year’s Holiday Party, where we promise an event that will soar again to wonderful new heights of holiday cheer!