Final Update! by Kate Cooper

Greetings
The week is over, JFTC--the skydiving event--is done, although JFTC the charity event is now just hitting stride. As of 10:00 am yesterday morning we had raised over $480,000 and fully expect the final numbers to top half a million dollars.
I went to the dropzone yesterday at the 'crack of noon' which was, evidently, par for the group. Roger and Fernando organized some very nice 30+ ways all day while others opted for smaller dives, wing suit loads, tunnel time and freeflying. More than one lady was slightly "under the weather" as a direct result of the heady combinations of French Champagne, Russian Vodka and Mexican Tequila that were being passed around freely during the victory party. If anyone finds a pair of size 10 (yeah, I know) New Balance running shoes they are still missing from when i was thrown in the pool--and joined by about 20 ladies quickly thereafter.
Our outstanding team of videographers had huge photos of the completed formation posted--one per camera--and the women were massed around them finding out which one showed them the best. The Cameramen also donate their images--so participants can get photos at greatly reduced costs.
Carolyn Dufur was busy signing up people for the JFTC yearbook. She came down--again, a volunteer--and spent teh entire week taking photos on the ground and interviewing women. The result will be a yearbook--like highschool--but documenting the entire week in candid ground and air shots. Many of the participants are buying several books to use as Christmas presents or to present to their supporters. I can't wait to see it.
Last night were the closing ceremonies. A nice dinner by the pool where the dropzone, pilots, support crew and managements were honored and cheered on. The loudest cheers came for Olivia--the littlest water girl. Olivia is the 5 year old daughter of one of the british participants and she spend the entire event shuttling bottles of water from a ice filled chest out to the girls as they were packing in the oppressive heat. Her tiny voice shouting "wat-ah, get your fresh wah-ta....." ringing across the dropzone.
It was also our annual Polyester party, meaning that all the Good Will and Salvation Army outlets within 30 miles had been depleted of their brightest, tackiest, and funniest clothing from the '70's and '80's. DAncing by the pool continued on well past midnight as the new World Record holders celebrated once again.
Today is travel day for most of the participants, people are leaving the DZ to head out to the various airports to work their way home. It is strange to me that tomorrow is a MOnday. I've been at a DZ now for over 10 days--jumping every day. That has become the norm--and a good norm it is. Sitting behind a desk and answering a phone will be strange--especially since I'm managed to basically lost my voice (finally)...
It's over. Until next time. Skydive Perris Rocks. JFTC rocks. YOU ROCK!
thanks
oxoxox
kate