This is a very busy time of the year here at World Headquarters. With our awards luncheon less than a week away, things are in full planning mode and everyone is busy. Even though we begin working on the event months in advance, in the weeks leading up to the big day, all the finishing touches are being put in place – we are finalizing the RSVP lists, making the name tags and place cards, loading boxes full of goody bag items and much, much more! Once the luncheon is over, our attention turns to our annual online auction that benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised benefit LLS and I cannot implore you enough to visit our Web site and bid on some of the great items. Every little bit helps support those afflicted with blood cancers, and the donated items are pouring in. We have vouchers for hotel stays from around the world, Abu Dhabi to Denver to Hong Kong. Airlines donated tickets, and a win means you could fly from eastern Europe to Asia and back. You could bid on a golf game, dinner for two and much much more. And all for a good cause. I have known many people who have suffered from Leukemia and Lymphoma and, thankfully, most have beaten the disease – with the help of funding and research that comes from LLS. In order to participate in our auction, log onto www.globaltravelerusa.com/auction beginning February 1. The auction ends May 31, 2008 – plenty of time for some high-stakes bidding! Here is a teaser for all you anxious bidders out there – a list of just a few of the great prizes that will be offered: Round trip tickets to Fiji on Air Pacific, flights to Colombia on Avianca, a stay at The Breakers Palm Beach, a stay at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa Wine Country, flights on Malev, a stay at the Prince Resorts Hawaii, flights on Qantas and Singapore and much, much more! I only wish I was eligible to bid. These prizes are only a few of the high-ticket items, and more are coming in everyday. Stay tuned! -Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive