American Kitefliers Association

The Ingraham Award recognizes those who have volunteered unselfishly

to help the AKA and to promote kiting in general. Our nominee has done

all that and more. For who has given more of their time, energy, creativity,

advice, and effort to the Association, and with less credit and recognition,

than Susan Gomberg.

Susan Gomberg was the co-chair of the 1990 AKA convention in Seaside.

That was back when we relied on volunteers for a job that now pays more

than $20,000. And Seaside 1 still ranks as one of our largest conventions.

After actually running a convention, the next most difficult job is that of

Auction Chair. Susan has run the auction three times and each time set

records for income as well as efficiency.

Susan has served as a sport kite judge at events around the country and

around the world. In 1992, she suffered through 90 novice fliers in six

heats at the first Japan Cup. It was over 100 degrees.

Susan has also served as a kitemaking judge at the National Convention

and as a member of the KiteMaking Committee. She refuses, however, to

step foot on a rokkaku field.

For the past three years, Susan has chaired the Convention Hospitality

Committee, personally greeting each registrant and making sure their

questions and needs were properly addressed.

And over the past 15 years, she has answered questions, responded to

emails, promoted membership, and helped members and potential

members in countless ways at countless events in countless places around

the world. Though never elected to anything, Susan Gomberg has quite

simply been AKAs Ambassador at Large, our hostess, and our smile