The surprise of the evening came when Bruce called Walter Young, chairman and CEO of Champion Enterprises, to the podium. Mr. Young, representing his own company and the manufactured housing industry, presented Carl Ehry with the first $100,000 check that will part of another $1,000,000 endowment from Champion. Young presented the gift in the name of their 14,000 employees who delivered 70,000 manufactured homes last year, and have built over 1,500,000 homes. Champion has over 1,300 retailers for their manufactured housing products that are made in 57 factories. The Champion gift will be used to build a 10,000 square foot conference and exhibit center at the new facility. This year, one of their homes will become the new Governor's Mansion for the State of Arkansas. Needless to say, it becomes an interesting topic at cocktail parties and informal gatherings of friends and business associates. Young noted that the contribution "will honor the past, and allow us to look forward to the future" as the foundation closes in on the financing required to break ground for the new facility. "The new facility with have a lasting impact on America", Young concluded. Hertzke, the Honorary Campaign chairman, returned to the podium and thanked Mr. Young and Champion Enterprises for their generous donation. He also urged those in attendance to follow the lead of Winnebago and Champion and contribute to the success of the campaign to insure the success "we all deserve." To date, the foundation has received pledges totaling $4.8 million dollars and the goal is $5.5 to $6.0 million. All expenses for the campaign have come from the general operating budget and all donations have been set aside for the new facility. Hertzke concluded by thanking the industry "for the success we have today, and the vision to get us where we want to be in the future." Carl thanked Bruce and Walter for the excitement and leadership in the fund raising campaign. He also introduced Roger and Waneta Reynolds who were in attendance for the evening festivities. This lovely couple has endowed the foundation with a $2,000,000 gift for the new library that will house the history and heritage of the RV/MH industries. The highlight of the evening was the induction of the worthy candidates to the RV/MH Hall of Fame. Dave Altman First to receive his award was Dave Altman of Altman's Winnebago. This 28-year veteran of the RV industry told the audience that he was "truly humble for this honor." He thanked the industry for the Go RVing advertising programs "that are second to none, and keeping us in front of the public." Altman has recovered from a stroke that forced him to slow down a bit. Noting that "patience is not one of my strong points", he did relax and listen to his doctors and family, "and prayed a lot." Dave ended with an inspirational message for his friends in the industry, "What you are, is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God." continued