On Thursday, October 28th, 2004, the Embassy Suites Hotel in Piscataway hosted their 15th annual Trick or Suite Celebration. Twenty-eight suites were sponsored by various corporations, church groups, clubs, and public service groups. And once again the Spokes-Women and friends turned out in force to decorate a suite and hand out treats to our special trick-or-treaters.

Children from the American Cancer Society, the Midland School, Lakeview School, Euclid Group Home, Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Cerebral Palsy, Academy Learning Center, Brain Injured Center, and Coordinated Family Care were invited, totaling some 450 children!

Our theme this year was a Hawaiian Luau - and while all the suites were wonderfully decorated, I think we definitely had the most colorful suite. Although Nancy Davidson was not able to participate directly this year, she was kind enough to bring her dirt bike again for us to decorate and for the children to sit on for pictures. As usual, the bike was a HUGE hit with the children and grown-ups alike. A Polaroid camera was located, and Dee Richter very kindly donated several packs of Polaroid film. Janet donated some Hawaiian picture frames for the Polaroid pictures that were given to the trick-or-treaters. The club took care of the bill for the suite cleaning charge as well as the purchase of the sweet treats.

This year's participants were Linda Brown, Dee Richter, Liz Sann, Laura Sisto, Liz Smith, Marlene Smith, Janet Britland, Cath & Derek Sarshad, Georgia Fulboam, Pam Gedman, Patty Gwozdz, Ruth Fineberg, Michele Reutty, and Nancy Davidson. I would like to personally thank all of this year's participants and would also like to pass along the gracious thank-yous that we received from the Embassy Suites Hotel and from one special parent.

From the Embassy Suites:

" This evening could not be possible without your participation and all the hard work you and your associates put forth. All suites were decorated with style and flair. Each was individually special. As the children entered the hotel, you could see the joy and excitement in their eyes. Many of them were familiar with what to expect, while others were just as happy to experience the event for the first time.

" Once again, we would like to say thnk you so very much for making 'Trick or Suite' possible, because without you there would be no event. Thank you and see you next year!"

From parent Andrea Tritini and her 7-year-old son, Nicholas:

" I just wanted all of you to know how truly terrific each and every one of you are! Thank you so much for all you do - I hope you don't get tired of me writing these letters every year, but if I attempted to thank you sincerely during the event I'd cry my eyes out and flood the the darn hotel! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!"

As you can see by the photos, we all had fun "working" at this event. It was truly a labor of love - and I look forward to our participation next year!