Convention Thanks and Recognition
Thank You for Making the 2026 Kiwi Convention a Success
The 2026 Kiwi Convention is now part of our history, and what a wonderful chapter it was. This gathering did not happen by chance. It was the result of months of planning, generous support, and many helping hands working together behind the scenes.
Special Thanks to Our Convention Chairman
With sincere appreciation to Sherri Engle Lowe. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Convention Contessa Sherri whose leadership, dedication, and steady guidance brought this convention to life. From the earliest planning stages to the final farewell, her commitment helped create a memorable experience for all who attended.
A convention of this size takes vision, patience, organization, and more than a little stamina. We are grateful for the time, energy, and care she gave to every detail.
Sherri will be adding her special "Convention Debrief" shortly!
Thank You to Our Convention Committee
The success of the convention was made possible by an outstanding committee and many dedicated volunteers. Their work included planning events, managing registration, coordinating hospitality, organizing programs, assisting attendees, decorating, troubleshooting, welcoming guests, and handling countless details most people never see.
We gratefully recognize the following Kiwis for their service:
FIESTA FLIGHT CREW
Sherri Engle Lowe Houston
Vicki Valenciano Kubal OHARE, FL Suncoast
Stephanie McCauley Butler OHARE, FL Suncoast
Kathy Joy Minner MAL
Polly Toll Goodman LAX
Mary Richter Thrasher OHARE
Jill Richey Rohan ATL
Jane McDonald Jamison MEM
Jane Fullen Haag OHARE
Kay Middleton GOLDEN GATE
Lisa Nelson Sgambati CAREFREE
Sam Gooch BNA Music City/EWR
Christine Strommer Moeckel ATL
Paula Hubbard Schmickrath Nashville Music City
Connie Nemes SW FLA
Millie Amadeo Rusak O’HARE
Kathy Schmidt Kuzminski FL Suncoast
Caroline Ballachey Womack Golden Gate
And our Reserve Team:
Jo Sharp McFadden DEN, OKC
Susie Beers Clark DCA
Linda Sterlacci DCA
Eileen Marquinn Pearson SW FLA
Kay Sutter SW FLA
To every person who gave time, talent, ideas, encouragement, or hands-on help, thank you. Your efforts helped make this convention warm, welcoming, and memorable.
With Appreciation to Our Donors and Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to those who helped support the convention through generous donations and sponsorships. Your contributions helped enhance the convention experience and demonstrated the continued strength of the Kiwi spirit.
Kiwi Chapters
We thank the Kiwi Chapters that contributed to the success of the convention:[
Carefree
Denver
Golden Gate
Los Angeles
Memphis
Nashville Music City,
O’Hare
Orange County/Long Beach
San Diego
South Bay
Business Community Sponsors
We also thank the businesses and community partners whose support helped make this event possible:
American Airlines Credit Union
Alpha Graphics Printing San Antonio / Kevin Kassian
Casa Rio Restaurant
Captain Beverley Bass
Edgewood Independent School District Memorial High School - ROTC
Color Guard in care of Capt (Ret) Shevayey Cato
E-GO Ride / Javier Tristan Go Rio River Boats
Jenn Miller Creations Party Animals Texas
Rick Lowe & Company / Family Rosarios Restaurant WINOS
Visit San Antonio Convention Bureau / Karen Bippert and Team
Hotel Contessa - Liaison and Convention Services Manager Deedy Johnson!
Individual Kiwi Donors
With sincere appreciation, we recognize the individual Kiwis who generously contributed:
Jan Brown Hanson
Jo Sharp McFadden
Kathy Joy Minner
Eileen Pearson
Phyllis Turpen
