***WINNERS N E W RAFFLE FOR CLAUDIO SILVA!!! ***

[ricki]

First, thanks to everyone for your support in this unique Global effort to help one our own following a severe kiteboarding injury. Your help is very much appreciated.

I just met with Patrick and Karen at her house in Miami last night and we wrapped up the remaining prizes and will be shipping them out today. I apologize for this delay but the best intentions are sometimes blocked by jobs and family committments. Thanks for everyone's patience throughout this lengthy process.



Regarding the NEW raffle, Luco and Patrick have been trying to get a firm committment from a South Beach Nightclub for months for the party. Initial expressions of support have dimmed a bit under the onslaught of the deluge of college kid partiers during spring break here. Also, Luco had wanted to organize a downwinder event at the same time but once again, spring break congestion is interfering with the effort. We are due for some wind on Easter Sunday, South 15 to 20 mph. An inpromptu get together is being considered for riders at the launch north of Northshore Park at 87 St. at the northern part of Miami Beach on Sunday.

Rather than throw together a lessor event with less fun for the participants and winners in mind, we talked with Brad Lange of the Islamorada Invitational about incorporating the Claudio Party and Raffle into this year's event to happen in Islamorada, FL, USA April 20 - 24, 2005 in the Keys near the Miami area. Brad was enthusiastic about the idea and pledged support to Claudio through an expanded raffle that is a regular feature with the event. More about the ISLAMORADA INVITATIONAL HERE

We apologize for this change in plan and delay. If anyone would like their money returned in the new raffle because of this delay, please pm ricki and your money will gladly be returned. If you want to stay the course then good on you. We hope to raise even more product and service donations to make this an even more memorable benefit than it has become already.

Thanks again!

Friends of Claudio Silva