Randy Everson kicked off the evening with an overview of '98. It was a very busy year for BMW fans consisting of a safety school, autocross school followed by six events, three drivers schools, four membership meetings, the picnic/car display, the fall tour, M Day,O'Fest. Whew!

Most of our events were helped tremendously by support from businesses and special individuals. The 1998 Appreciation Awards were given to:

• BMW of North America
• Big Bug Barbeque - George Goodwin
• Don Dethlefsen
• Fields BMW
• Leight Automotive - Tim Leight
• Race Partners - Mike Johnson
• Midwest Motorsport - Leo Franchi
• Morton Suggestion Company - Marshall Smith
• Rauch Performance - Howard Rauch
• The Tire Rack

• Roger Ness - President
• Scott (Da Wing) Heineman - Vice President
• Albert Velasco - Secretary
• Jim Waldman - Treasurer

Larry Schaal presented awards to those who helped chair events during '98. It is their tireless efforts that kept everything running so smoothly. Hats off to:

Jack Tippens presented the special awards.

The Big Wheel is given to a non-elected board member who has done the most for the club in the year. Webmeister Roger Ness received this year's honor.

The Shifter is presented to an elected board member who best kept the club in gear. President Randy Everson received this award for his tireless efforts and special focus on driver education and safety.

The Clutch was initiated by Larry Kanouse and is given to a non-board member who has done the most for the club. Kathleen and Ed Kowalski put together a superb fall tour this year and received this award for their efforts.

The Overachiever "Toilet Seat" Award was created by Alex Christensen. Ben Thongsai received this award last year and, for reason's unknown, awarded it to Laura and Roger Ness.

Linda Bremner, representing Love Letters, was present again this year to accept a check from the raffle proceeds and to pick this year's lucky winner. For the past two years, the winners of this cash award have turned over the proceeds to Love Letters. Concerned that a precedent had been established, this years prize was 10-$100 gift certificates to Marshall Fields and was awarded to Aaron Brambora. Of course, Aaron had to make things difficult and refused to accept the award. With some quick decision making, it was decided that the certificates would be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Tim Corcoran had the highest bid. A very thoughtful gesture by Aaron and Tim!

This summary would not be complete without giving a special thanks to all of the individuals & businesses who donated the door prizes.

Thank you to this year's sponsors!!!