The winning tickets have been drawn.

And, if you don’t believe in karma (or playing it forward—or whatever you’d like to call it), keep reading.

The week at Rainbow Tree was won by Abbie Klinghoffer of New Orleans. Abbie was first known in Treasure Beach as Miss Abbie in 2005 when she was part of the very first group of University of Virginia students who spent their spring break in Treasure Beach assisting at Sandy Bank Primary. She returned to Treasure Beach in 2006 with another group of U.Va students, this time as a Site Leader. And, in 2007, Abbie became the person in charge of all the Alternative Student Break trips; in this capacity, she managed about 40 trips. (Abbie was so instrumental to the program that her words are still on the site years later: http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/slideshow/slideshow4.html ) Abbie now works fulltime in a stress-filled job. In fact, I reached her as she was getting off an airplane from a business trip. (Yes, it’s Saturday.) She could not believe her good fortune because she has wanted to return to Treasure Beach for years and has been buying raffle tickets since she graduated from U.Va. As an FYI, Abbie is one of the many people Treasure Beach Foundation goes to for advice and is on our Board of Advisors.

The week at Blue Marlin has been won by Van Zwisohn of Ballston Spa, New York. Van has visited Treasure Beach every year for the last eight years; it’s his favorite place to vacation, chill out, mingle with people, sit on the beach, relax and rejuvenate. He couldn’t believe his good fortune when he was called. Yesterday was his birthday, and he said he’s considering this as a very extra special gift. He added, “What could possibly be better than a week at Blue Marlin!! I’m getting ready to round up a group of friends so we can make travel plans.” Van said that the raffle’s proceeds going to Treasure Beach Foundation’s scholarship program made it even better because the students also benefit him having bought raffle tickets. For those of you who don’t know how cold it can get in upstate NY, it went to -33 (that’s minus 33) in Ballston Spa in 1994. We’re thinking Van will schedule his winning trip for one of the winter months. We know Van has been donating and buying raffle tickets for years, so it was nice he got rewarded for being a caring and generous person.

Congratulations Abbie and Van!

WOW!!! Congratulations to both the winners. Abbie, I can't wait to see you back here again and this time to relax and enjoy yourself!

Van, what can I say. When I read this I might have been as happy as you were when you got the good news! How absolutely wonderful!!!! Happy belated birthday and congratulations from all your Treasure Tours friends. We are just thrilled for you.

Congrats to the winners. We love having you in Treasure Beach.

Both winners sound really worthy. I know tickets are picked at random, but I agree karma played a role this year.

Congratulations to Abbie and Van!

Congratulations Abbie and Van!

How exciting for you both!

We're thrilled. The folks who will join us in our good fortune will all be first timers to Jamaica. How great it will be at such a lovely property in Treasure Beach. It'll be fall next year before we all can come, but anticipation just makes it better.

Thanks everyone. I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to return to Treasure Beach...only wish it wasn't 3 years since I was last there! I will likely bring along some friends who volunteered at Sandy Bank during our college days. Will be quite a special reunion! Hope to also see some of the current and former Sandy Bank Primary School students while we are there.

Brilliant outcome.

Congratulations to Abbie and Van. Always nice when nice people win. I hope you and your friends or relatives enjoy every minute of your vacations. Looking forward to seeing some photos of you enjoying yourselves.

Congratulations to Miss Abby and Van! The Sandy Bank Primary School family shares in your joy. Miss Abby was a dynamic group leader and everyone will be happy seeing her again. Looking forward to meeting Van as well.
To all who have contributed to this worthy cause, we thank you. You are all winners...helping to make a difference in the lives of our students. Sincere gratitude also to Karen Kennedy and all those who have worked hard to make this raffle a success.

Congratulations to Abbie and Van! A great cause to support and a great prize to win.

Congratulations, Van and Abbie! Great that you will introduce new faces to Treasure beach and to the aspiring young scholars who benefit from the Foundation. As always, kudos to the educators who are so invested in their students' success!

Congratulations to both of you. You must be so happy and excited!!

This has to be rigged. How else can 2 deserving people win? I mean, it could not have been scripted any better. Were there witnesses to observe the drawing?

Ha! I'm sure you are just joking Bob, but if not, you would not be asking this question if you ever met Karen Kennedy. I don't think anyone has to worry about a fair drawing.

Besides, Eric and I tried to bribe her into pulling our tickets and - it didn't work!

Yes I am joking. Just goes to prove that good things happen to good people..

Bob was clearly joking. The winners sound like very deserving people. I have never hear a whisper of Treasure Beach Foundation acting in less than a totally honest and straightforward manner. That's why I am proud to support them.

Congratulations, Abbie and Van!! I know you'll both have wonderful trips (is it possible to have a bad trip to TB? I don't think so!). My raffle win trip was so fabulous. I don't think I've ever had a lovelier time in TB.

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets. You are all winners for supporting the children of Treasure Beach!

(Hmm ... I still haven't posted my pictures or my trip report. I'd better get that together, or this year's winners will have visited before I get my stuff posted!)

Stacie, Are your sure you really came to Treasure Beach. Where did you stay? How are we supposed to know your trip was fabulous?

WHERE ARE YOUR PHOTOS?

@ Enquiring minds -- I know, I know, I'm all talk and no action! I'll get my act together soon, but it might have to wait until after Thanksgiving.

Stay tuned ...

I am going to be your follow up system Miss Stacie. It's after Thanksgiving.

Encouraging Miss Stacie to tell us about her trip and show pictures.