From left to right. Betty Plowman, George Keltner, Tami Swafford, Linda Keltner. George & Linda were the raffle winners of a cruise donated by “Hooked On Travel” and Commercial Transportation Insurance. The cruise is for three days on Carnival Cruise Lines.

For the third consecutive year, the Sacramento and Fairfield Chapters of CDTOA held their annual Christmas Party at the Hay’s Antique Truck Museum in Woodland. This year 115 meals were served to members and guests of our Association. Mark Page and his crew from Branding Iron Catering prepared the dinner. The meal was delicious and plentiful.
The Sacramento Chapter honored the following members with plaques honoring their longtime membership and loyalty to CDTOA. Dewey Martin (34 years), Don Winslow (41 years), Rae Wilson (28 years) and Randy Hastie (29 years). Our association is grateful to these members who have led the way in our industry for so many years.

The raffle was the big event of the evening, lasting once again over three hours. This year was no exception, with one additional highlight. A separate raffle was held exclusively to raise money for CDTOA’s PAC Fund. The prize for the raffle was a Cruise for two on Carnival Cruise Lines. This prize was donated by our Affiliate Member Jim Ross of Commercial Transportation and his wife Laurel of Hooked On Travel. It was won by George and Linda Keltner of the Fairfield Chapter. Over $1,700 was raised for the PAC Fund from this raffle alone.

Once again, our Affiliates were very generous to our Association. Les Schwab Tires donated two steer tires, won by Tim Plowman of the Fairfield Chapter, Tom’s House of Hydraulics donated a hoist, which was won by Rob McClernon of Sacramento. Bill Wrobel, visiting from the Santa Rosa Chapter won an aluminum toolbox for his truck donated by Dragon Trailers/Wabash Trailers. Donovan Diaz and his wife Regina of Superior Trailers once again came up from Fontana to insure that our members had plenty of LED lights for the coming year. Sacramento member Allen Farris donated two tickets to a Kings Game won by Keith and Carol Pruett of Fairfield. Special thanks to Sacramento Kenworth, Hunt and Sons Pacific Pride, Fleet Pride, S & K Steele, Fluid Tech, Redwood Reliant Peterbilt, Haughn and Son Tires, Central Auto Parts, Ramos Oil, and Interstate Oil. Very special thanks to Sacramento Affiliate Member Alan Robison of Network Truck Insurance for his generous contribution.

Remember when you are looking for products or service to consider using these companies. And, don’t forget to thank them for their support of CDTOA. In addition to these large prizes, we appreciate all donations to our raffle, which continues to make it such a huge success.
Commercial Officer, Russ Lumley, Valley Division, brought the C.H.P.’s “Big Rig” simulator for those who wanted to try their skills. Everyone enjoyed the simulator. The C.H.P. has two of these simulators one in the North and one in the South. You can contact your local division for information on their use or to schedule one for an event.

Thanks to the members and affiliates who donated backpacks and cash to Chicks-in-Crisis. This worthwhile organization helps women and children get off the streets, into jobs and school and when appropriate, helps to arrange open adoption.

A big “Thank You” to all who helped set up and clean up after the party. The raffle tickets were called by Betty Plowman, past CDTOA President and her elves, Tammy Swafford, Carol Pruett and Barbara Smith who passed out the prizes. Needless to say, the elves were quite tired after this evening. Special Thanks to Rob McClernon who always works hard to get raffle items and make this party a success and to Ralph and Billie Barlow who always collects raffle items, makes sure our tables are decorated with poinsettias and that we all have calendars. Finally, thanks to Bob Kirk our Bartender and Sacramento Chapter member for his truly tireless effort.

Health, wealth, and happiness to all in 2005.