I'm one of the new kids on the block and as such I haven't said (contributed) a whole lot to this site so it is w/ the upmost respect to the oldtimers
and frequent contributors that I'd like to add my great big $.02.
If you look at the first couple of post back in Jan. when this started I think you will find that original goals of this night out are pretty well laid out by GB & John.
As far as raffles, door prizes, auctions etc. for gifts it seems to me that everyones opinion should be heard especially the organizers but the bottom line is that John should have the final say. It's his sandbox and without his time and initiative we frankly would not be here.
That being said I personally like raffles over auctions simply because everyone has a fairly equal chance of winning and not the guy w/ the deepest pocket.
This is all for fun, and to provide a little help to keep this site going, so cheer up folks. Days are getting longer and soon the water temp. will warm up and we all know where that leads up to!!!