Editor:
As we wrap up five years of the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association's (BIA) Outdoor Movie Nights, I would like to thank all those who have made this idea into a wonderful reality.
Each of those 16 nights of movies has been memorable in a different way, mostly for the people who got involved.
To those who attended these events, I want to thank you for your enthusiasm and participation, especially the pajama-clad, theme-dressed, popcornloving youths and adults who show their love of these nights.
I love watching groups descend at Diefenbaker Park or arrive at the mall parking lot with their mountain of chairs, blankets, sleeping bags and other movie night essentials. It is great to see the diversity of set-ups a movie night can involve.
Thanks also to our sponsors and advertisers past and present, for believing in the events and my directorial abilities when shooting our pre-movie shows. It is thanks to your financial and loyal support these events can actually happen.
To our fantastic community service groups - the Lions, Kiwanis, TOOBs and Rotary - thanks for your hard work and unfailing cooperation to help with everything that is needed. Together, we have raised important funds and awareness to many local causes throughout these five years.
This year alone, movie night proceeds raised over $5,000 to benefit the Rivers End Rangers, the senior branch of the Ladner/ Tsawwassen Girl Guides. The girls and their leaders worked really hard helping us at each of the events.
To our participating businesses and groups, thanks for investing your time and energy to interact with our community in a different way. All the activities, games, talent and demonstrations add so much to the events and bring them to life each night.
Each event is a whole production and the "behind the scenes" people - our contributors, helpers, supporters and volunteers - are essential to create a seamless night. Thanks to each of you.
Thanks also to my wonderful assistant for the past year, Frances Henry, for going along with all my crazy ideas and helping turn them from great to awesome.
As I am about to start a new position at Delta Gymnastics, I will not be organizing these events anymore. Even though our unsteady weather was cause of great anxiety during the summer months, I've enjoyed this journey very much. Most of all, I am happy to have worked and interacted with so many community-minded people, who I am now lucky to call my friends.
No need to worry though, as the BIA will continue to organize these and other events and promotions once my replacement starts her new role. I encourage you all to let the BIA know your thoughts and memories about our movie nights via email at biaoffice@ shoptswwassen.com.
I hope you enjoyed the movie nights as much as I did.
Ana Arciniega Executive Director Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association
