Zippy’s Crusade for Kids
Ole Barn, Old Forge NY
January 17 and 18, 2003
By: Don Donk
Let me start out by saying that Greg and Nan Zipadelli are two of the nicest, caring and most down to earth people that I have ever met. They, with a lot of help from so many people that they could not begin to list, put on a fantastic event. We arrived around 5:00 PM at the Ole Barn. They had closed the place at 4:00 PM to the public so they could host the event. Let me stop again and say what a superb job the staff at the Ole Barn did hosting this event. Everything was great. We showed our dinner tickets and gained admission by receiving our Home Depot credential holders with our ticket inside which had to be worn by everyone attending the event. We took a walk around the place admiring the old, rustic atmosphere. There was NASCAR paraphernalia everywhere. They even have a whole side of Tony Stewart’s Home Depot Pontiac hanging from the ceiling. This place is definitely a racer’s place. There wasn’t very many people there yet so we sat at the bar and had a drink.
Soon, Mike’s wife Katie arrived. She went around the room saying her hellos and then came and sat at the bar with us. She filled us in on all that had been going on since they arrived Wednesday. To sum it up they had a very good time with very little sleep. Katie even recollected a story about Tony Stewart tending bar at Daiker’s Inn until 2:30 AM. Tony had showed up Wednesday night to surprise Zip and Nan. He had to leave Friday so he wasn’t able to be at the ride and dinner. But he did get to spend a couple days riding snowmobiles with Zip, Mike and the gang. I guess they all had a ball.
Around 6:00 people started arriving back from the ride. Everyone stopped by to say hi to Katie. She introduced us to so many people that I can’t remember them all. I do remember meeting Matt Yocum, Jimmy Makar, Scott Diehl, Scott Zipadelli, Chic Zipedelli and of course Nan and Zip. Along with some other of their close friends who made the trip to NY to help with the event. But no Mike. It seemed everyone was back from the ride but Mike. Not to worry, he arrived about 6:45. He was putting his sled away and got talking with someone at the shop. That’s Mike for you, get him talking about going fast and he loses all track of time.
By this time the place was packed, I haven’t heard an official count yet but I would guess there had to be over 300 people there. The buffet line started about 7:30. The food was fantastic, what a spread! After dinner Matt Yocum took the stage as emcee for the night. He announced that the silent auction would end at 9:30. There was so much racing memorabilia there, it was unbelievable. Matt and Zippy then started drawing raffle ticket numbers that they had been selling all night. So many people donated so much stuff. The number calling went on for over an hour. Afterwards the band took the stage for about an hour. Then Matt and Zippy returned to the stage to announce the silent auction winners. The biggest items bought were another whole side of Tony Stewart’s car for $1100 and one of his autographed fire suits went for $3200. They also had a Mike fire suit and a couple pieces of sheet metal from his MBNA car that went for fair amounts. I just missed being the highest bidder on his door piece.
After the auction Nan and Zip took to the stage to thank everyone. Nan was so emotional she almost started crying. Again, one of the sweetest people I know. After their thanks the band returned and the party began there was much dancing and having a great time done by all. We didn’t get to see a lot of Mike. He never sat still longer than 3 minutes as he was trying to make sure he made it around to everyone to say hi. At the end of the night Mike and Katie did manage to sit with us for awhile and we talked a little about next year and how psyched everyone is. And of course we talked about Max, who is the most popular McLaughlin now. He was staying at Mom Mom’s house with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob. This was one fantastic event that I believe was a huge success. They are already talking about what to do for next year and they promise to let everyone know the details early. So everyone should plan to attend. I know we won’t miss it. I’m sorry for the lack of any quality pics. The place was very crowded and dark and to be honest I was having such a great time I forgot to take many. It was great food, great times for a great cause. Good job Zippy and Nan!!
PICTURES FROM THE PARTY