KCMPI Inaugural Trivia Champs Named

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As the sunset on November 15, KCMPI members and friends enjoyed a stunning view of the city from the View at the Courtyard by Marriott Briarcliff. This great, green space with expansive views from the city's north side provided the perfect backdrop for KCMPI's Member Appreciation Reception. Attendees were treated to a delicious buffet dinner provided by Plaza Catering. All KCMPI members received a member appreciation packet with Aloft Hotel drink coupons for their hip W XYZ Bar, one free answer to be used during Trivia and raffle ticket for the member appreciation package. Hotel tours and networking time ensued. Master Sargent Bruce Thompson, from the U.S. Marine Corps, mingled with guests as he collected the group's donations to Toys for Tots. In all, about 75 board games and toys were collected. KCMPI will be collecting more toys at the December After Five.

Our favorite emcee, Brad Plumb with the Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau, introduced KCMPI President, Kara Brady to make a few announcements and conducted a member appreciation prize drawing. Melanie Pilgram, CMP, with the Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport won the member appreciation package (over-night stay at the courtyard and $75 at Trezo Mare). Representatives from the View, the Courtyard and Plaza Catering made a few comments. Then the games began...

The rules were presented, the judges/scorers introduced and team captains selected. Then the teams got down to some serious work. It became apparent that everyone would have to think hard or purchase more "free answers"; no resources or electronic devices were allowed - only sheer brain power. The evening consisted of 8 rounds with 10 questions per round. Topics were based on events of the year and covered: All About KC, the Presidency and Presidents, the Olympics, Thanksgiving, TV Sitcoms, Sports, Currency and Hodge Podge. The competition was fierce and players serious; one team even sported yellow team t-shirts. As it turned out, the t-shirts gave them the mojo to become our inaugural champs, but only by two points.

The champs were Denise DeJulio, Becky Addleman, Stacy Bartlett and Chris Thompson with the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Bureau and Mike Garner with Visual Aids Electronics. Each member of the first-place team received a spectator package (binoculars, stadium seat, blanket) donated by Bushnell Optics.

The second-place team received an overnight stay at the Ambassador hotel, two tickets to the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema downtown and gift cards to either the Power & Light District or the recently renovated Providence/Drum Room Lounge at the Hilton President Hotel. Members of this team were Ken Hamm of Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa; Shari Hockenbery, CMP with the Francis Family Foundation; Bob Compton owner of Bob Compton Photography; Caprice Caster of Automotive Parts Associates and her husband, Craig Caster of Olathe Ford.

Rounding out the top three was Team Waldo in third place with 51 points. Team Waldo was made up of our cities tenured planners: Belinda Waldo, Associated Luxury Hotels; Kathy Thompson, CMM of Bushnell; Mitch Collins; Laurie Warren; Debbie Jennings with AMP; Rosemary Hall of ADS and Teresa Kullman Ruiz with Third Verve. Third place winners each received a gift card to Best Regards Bakery and Cafe in Overland Park and shared a cookie platter.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support of KCMPI and to our other sponsors, Francis Family Foundation, Meeting Management & Consulting, Wheat and Paper Crane Photography.