2004 Jim Robinson Tribute Award and FReeper Appreciation Gift (Pics)!

Free Republic | 1-24-05 | Bob J

[Bob J]

The 2004 Eagle Award Committee wanted to give something to Jim Robinson to show our appreciation for all he has done for the conservative cause. We decided to give him a special "Tribute Award" at the Ball and during the discussion, it was suggested a gift would also be in order.

Anyone who knows Jim knows that outiside his salary to run FR LLC, he has always been reluctant to accept anything from FReepers. At one time Jim had mentioned a special seat that rotates and lowers from a van and how it would be much easier for him to get around and make visits to chapters around the country. We did some investigating, found the seat and decided to run a "secret" fundraiser to raise the money.

In order to make this a surprise, we used our FReepmail and ping lists to send out a request and asked others to also forward to their lists..kind of a FReeper chain mail operation. We think it was successful as I had some people tell me they received 6 or 8 copies of the same memo. If you did not receive one, I apologize, we did the best we could with the covert nature of the operation. (BTW - If you would still like to contribute, there is an opportunity, see below).

Here is a picture of what Jim's Tribute Award looked like (Note - Pic is similar award, not Jim's).

Here is a pic of the unit itself. It is called a "Turny" and is made by BRUNO.

To all the donors, thank you very much. We did have one problem, because of the make and model of Jim's Van the existing backseat was not recommended for conversion by the manufacturer nor the dealer which increased the cost by around $600. If you didn't get a "chain mail" notice and you would like to contribute to this effort, you may still do so by check or credit card here.

NOTE TO BALL ATTENDEES- We didn't see many pics of the Eagle winners or Nick Danger handing them out. If you do have some, please post them here! THANKS!

[Bob J]

ping..not sure if all donors got on this ping list.

[M Kehoe]

Hi.

So that's what it looks like. Works for me if it works for Jim.

Good job Bob (and everyone else).

5.56mm

[Matchett-PI]

BTTT

[AZamericonnie]

Good on you Bob & all other's who planned & donated for this tribute. The "Man" is most deserving & appreciated.

[umgud]

This is a good thing to do. Count me in for a donation.

[Howlin]

Ping....

[StarCMC]

Way to go Bob!! I think I'm one of those who got the Freepmail about 10 times!! Woo-hoo!! I'm so glad we could bless JimRob back!!

[The Mayor]

That looks fantastic.

Thanks Bob!

[doug from upland]

This is just great, Bob.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Just in case anyone is wondering about this product.. I have worked with a very similar product. Some of my previous clients have had a similar device and it is awesome and liberating. I have driven people around, and tried to help people exit vans with the use of a chair lift and without.

I vote for with!

I am certain that Jim and his family will get a good deal of use and happiness out of this chair lift.

[The Mayor]

PING!

[Timeout]

God bless you and yours, Jim Robinson!

[MinuteGal]

Clap yo hands 'n stomp yo feet
Jim's new chair is really neat
Now he can visit every chapter
And send us freepers into rapture

(oh, my.....)

Leni

[Bob J]

PS - "swheats" volunteered a used wheelchair lift for next to nothing and "Howie" volunteered to install it. Unfortunately, these units are generally made for full size vans and you need to lower the floor in mini vans. Consequently were not able to take advantage of these offers (short of buying Jim a new van...heheh) but i would like to thank them both personally for their generous offers!

[sweetliberty]

Thanks for the ping, Bob. I'm glad FReepers could do this. It will be especially nice for Jim's future cross country FReep trips.

Nice work, and great idea.

[HangFire]

Way to go BobJ, put me down for a donation too!

[deport]

Kick back to the top...............

[MJY1288]

Contribution on the way

[uncleshag]

You did well, Bob J.

Put it to good use Jim, come see me for BBQ!

FReepers are the best folks.