The annual reception for ARRL donors in Dayton welcomed the largest attendance since its inception in 2002. Nearly 150 donors who contributed $1000 or more during the previous year enjoyed the reception on May 13 at the Meadowbrook Country Club in Clayton, Ohio. Guests at the reception included international visitors IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH; IARU Region 2 Secretary Ramon Santoyo, XE1KK; IARU Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD; IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, and his wife Margareet, K2XYL; Seike Hidefumi, JA5CKZ; Keko Diez, TI5KD, and Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) Board Member Mitch Wolfson, DJ0QN.

The Guest of Honor was new ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, who mingled with the crowd and shared her thoughts on what it takes to be successful in the Amateur Radio world. Her comments began with the story of how she launched her involvement with the ARRL as an Assistant Section manager in Eastern Pennsylvania when she said “yes” to a request for her to prepare the Section’s newsletter. Her steps to the Presidency of ARRL continued with her role as Section Manger, Vice Director, Director, Vice President, culminating with her election to ARRL President in January 2010. Her message to the audience was simple but straightforward -- those who continue to say “yes” make a commitment to service, as well as a willingness to contribute generously to support the League make significant contributions to both Amateur Radio and to the ARRL.

At the conclusion of President Craigie’s remarks, the ARRL announced new members of the Maxim Society. Current Maxim Society Donors gathered to recognize William Fugate, W8IYD; Kenneth Goodwin Jr, K5RG; Charles Heath, K6ZIZ; Henry Pownall, W4FWR; Walter Wooten, W1LW; Kurt Pauer, W6PH, Ted Goldthorpe, W4VHF, and his wife Itice Goldthorpe, K4LVV. The ARRL Maxim Society recognizes donors whose lifetime giving to various ARRL funds reaches $10,000 or more. As of May 2010, the Maxim Society numbers 67 members. For more information -- including all the benefits of membership in the Maxim Society -- visit the Maxim Society Web page on the ARRL Web site or call the ARRL Development Office at (860) 594-0397.