Thanks for your effort

From Lynn “Lindy” O’Brien, director of musical entertainment, Quake on the Lake:

Please allow me to thank a very special group of people — the concert/live entertainment volunteers who most graciously donated their time and efforts to this year’s annual Quake on the Lake hydroplane races, a charity that benefits Michigan children who are seriously ill on behalf of the Rainbow Connection founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

First of all, special thanks to David Schell for many hours of research and negotiations with the national acts; and Bob Locher, director of concert security, who rotated posts, used a professional radio system, and directed security on Sunday in other capacities (gate security, beach, pits, and perimeter), on behalf of Lisa West, volunteer coordinator.

Mr. Locher’s security team consisted of Mike Sumner, Brad Sumner, Scott Makushik, Mark Davis, Al Rubin, Kevin Lawrence, Kevin Lambert, Micky Vizard, and Jim Kish, Jr.

A very special thank you to Barrett Novack, stage manager, who drove all the way up to Michigan from Austin, Texas (on his own dime)! He kept an ever-going entertainment line-up right on track and all bands performed on time (well, save for the headline act Rare Earth, who was just a few minutes late).

Other volunteers included Jeannie Davis (VIP Entrance), Taylor Schell, Sherry Clark, Alexis Lawrence, and Maegen O’Brien Watterson. Thanks to Joanna Lauren and Addy O’Brien for singing the Canadian and American national anthems, respectively. Both of you did a fantastic job!

My deepest gratitude to those who worked in 90-degree weather for two days straight and also attended the pre-event, on-site concert security meeting.

Thanks to all of the generous and charitable live entertainment sponsors for supporting the national and local performing artists — especially Genisys Credit Union, Village Lakes Shopping Center, General R.V. of White Lake, and the Spinal Column Newsweekly for the beautiful layout in Oakland Lakefront (magazine), articles, and for publishing this thank you letter! Mwah! Mwah! And hugs, too!

A huge thank you to the bands that performed for (substantially) less than their going rate in order to benefit Michigan’s children. You know who you are! (Especially the Shotgun Willie Band, who have performed every year since the Quake’s inception!)

I couldn’t have done it without all of you and your dedication, professionalism and solid commitment. May you receive continuous special blessings, good karma and happiness!