That was a great note, Karen. I've also sent Pam a couple of updates
on how many new players have come to check us out and how many emails
we got due to the article. The article is probably still having some
effect due to the "seed" it planted in so many peoples' heads, but as
for the packed house last night, I have to think that is mostly due
to Tom's efforts for the past several months holding the free night
and promoting it. For those of you that don't know, Tom has been
providing the chips, sodas and hot dogs as a donation to the club
each month. I also believe last night's success was due to your
efforts promoting the night as well online and by word of mouth. I
also understand that Dwight helped out too and there are others that
have helped spread the word. So, we're very appreciative that Pam
chose our sport for one of her articles, but I'm just as appreciative
that we have volunteers like you and Tom and Dwight to help preach
pong. Thanks for all your efforts!

--Joe

--- In ATTC@yahoogroups.com, KAREN JOHNSON <karenkeyjohnson@...>
wrote:

> Dear Ms. LeBlanc:
>
> This long overdue message of appreciation has but one slight hint
of a complaint: a lot of our members messed around and didn't secure
their very own copy of your "Call of the Pong." They were too busy
playing TABLE TENNIS!
>
> I must confess my initial misgivings in having a "reporter" climb
(what I fondly refer to as) our "stairway to heaven" – and infiltrate
our (what you most aptly described as) "mecca." I just couldn't
imagine that anybody on the outside could understand and appreciate
the almost-spiritual experiences we enjoy each time we play – much
less have the ability to capture and convey to all of Austin our
zealot-like love of the game. Nay – your article did that – but so
much more! Invariably, almost every single newcomer we greet and
poll has the same response: "I read that GREAT article about y'all
in the Statesman!"
>
> Last night we hosted our third "Family Fun – Free First Friday" –
an event I've neglected to ask you to post on the previous
Thursdays. I was too busy playing TABLE TENNIS! Today, however, I
cannot say for certain whether I'll even need to request publication
(on March 6th) of our next Free Friday. We were packed to capacity –
and everyone had so much fun that the majority are sure to return.
The Austin Table Tennis Club has YOU, Ms. LeBlanc, to thank for the
fabulous publicity!
>
> Under separate cover, I'm going to copy you with some photos from
last night – so you can see, first-hand, the results of your
dedicated efforts on our behalf. The American Statesman is so very
fortunate to have your talent, as are our club members and all of
Austin! You are truly a Texas TREASURE!
>
> Most sincerely,
>
> Karen Key Johnson
> ATTC Club Member
>