The 2010 annual raffle fundraiser on behalf of the Wayne E. Hesch Scholarship Program is just over one month away. In addition to the broad range of industry equipment that will be featured as part of the program conducted during the March 10-12 AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, the grand prize — to be awarded at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12 at the Hesch booth — will be a beautiful, brand new 2010 Honda Fury motorcycle.

Even if you don't win the grand prize — or any of the great items to be awarded as part of next month's Hesch program fundraiser — EVERYONE is a winner, because the proceeds from the raffle are directed to scholarships for college students, most of whom have a connection — through family or employment — to the coin-op industry and AMOA members specifically.

The Hesch program is the industry's longest-running, most prolific charitable endeavor. Since its inception in 1985, nearly $1 million in scholarships have been awarded. In fact, it is expected this year, the Hesch Scholarship Program will top the $1 million milestone in scholarship monies awarded.

The annual equipment raffle during the trade show is the primary source of revenue for the scholarships. We strongly encourage you to purchase your Wayne E. Hesch raffle tickets for 2010. Winners need not be present to win.

On behalf of the Coin-Op Cares Charitable Foundation, which oversees the Hesch Scholarship Program, thank you in advance for your ongoing support and best of luck in the raffle!

The AMOA Coin–Op Cares Education & Charitable Foundation is donating $5,000 to support the efforts of Save the Children and UNICEF in the wake of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Additionally, Coin–Op Cares will work to direct an industry fundraising effort before and during the upcoming AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo and will match donations from industry sources up to $5,000.

"We realize that many individuals and companies have already stepped up to help the earthquake victims in Haiti," said AMOA President Gary Brewer. "Yet, all reports indicate the recovery and rebuilding process will take a decade or more. Our industry has a long history of being generous, and I ask all individuals, companies and organizations affiliated with our business to support this effort."

Donations should be made out to: Coin-Op Cares. Please print "Haiti" in the memo section, if donating by check. Those interested in contributing can do so by:

• By phone: Call 800.937.2662 (1.800.YES.AMOA)
  The Foundation accepts Mastercard, VISA and American Express cards.
• By mail: Checks can be sent to:
  AMOA, 33 West Higgins Road, Suite 830, South Barrington, IL 60010.
• By FAX: CLICK HERE to downloaded a donation form or else call 1.800.YES.AMOA to request a form be sent to you. Return completed form to AMOA via FAX at: 847.428.7763.

All contributions are 100 percent tax–deductible. Donors will receive an acknowledgement via mail.

And, if that's not enough, all individuals who donate $25 or more will receive an official "Coin–Op Cares" flask!

The Education Sub–Committee for the Amusement Expo has been working to finalize plans for the FREE seminar series at this year's March 10–12, 2010 AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo.

In an effort to minimize conflict with exhibit hours, the start of this year's show on the first day — Wednesday, March 10 — will be 1 p.m. This new afternoon opening provides showgoers with some exclusive, dedicated time for educational pursuits.

Here's how it is shaping up:

Wednesday, March 10:

• 8:00 - 9:15am - Redemption 2010
• 8:00 - 9:15am - New Ways to Jump Start League Programs
• 9:30 - 11:00am - Jukebox Connectivity and Networking: Issues and Answers
• 9:30 - 11:00am - Getting the Most out of Your Card Swipe Systems
• 11:30am - 12:30pm - Opening General Session on Social Networking

Friday, March 12:

• 8:00 - 9:30am - Operator of the Year Coin–Op Think Tank

For more details about the educational program, or for additional information — including how to register for the show — visit www.amusementexpo.org.

As of today, there are 51 delegates registered for the Feb. 18–20 AMOA Council of Affiliated States Meeting at the Hyatt Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.

A total of 24 states are expected to be represented, which would be the highest number in several years for this annual gathering of coin–op leaders from around the country.

The theme of the event is "Roadmap for Success." The AMOA State Association Committee, led by Chairman Rick LaFleur, has put together a strong lineup of presentations and panel sessions that will cover topics such as pending legislation around the country, gaming trends, starting new associations and taxes and licensing.

A panel discussion featuring some of the industry's most prominent manufacturers will also be conducted.

In addition, a session exclusively for the professional staffs of industry associations, as well as a pre–meeting golf outing and group dinner are also on the schedule for the event.