Sunset Chapter President Fred Roush accepts the Amateur Sweepstakes Award for Florida from Rita Hall on behalf of Judy Nadella

Nick and Deb Spencer, Lone Star Chapter in Houston TX, won Amateur Sweepstakes for TX/LA, presented by The Seed Pod Editor Rita Hall.  The Spencer's have moved up to Open Collector.

Marti Graves presents the Collector Sweepstakes Award for Florida to Jim Bridges of the Harry Goulding Chapter in Punta Gorda FL

Cindy Erndt, Lone Star Chapter, accepts the Collector Sweepstakes Award for TX/LA from Marti Graves.  Cindy has moved up to Open Collector.

Paul Felsberg accepts the Open Collector Sweepstakes Award for Florida on behalf of Nola and Carlos Reynolds from Ann Mitchell

Ann Mitchell presents the Open Collector Sweepstakes Award for TX/LA to Lynn and Sam Andrews of Fairhope AL

Dr. David Tate presents the Commercial Sweepstakes Award for Florida to Don Mixon and Kathy Grandoff of Unbelievable Hibiscus

Dave and Ann Mitchell won the Commercial Sweepstakes Award for TX/LA, presented by Dr. Tate

Pat Merritt presents the Hibiscus of the Year Award for 2009 to Bobby and Bootsie Dupont and Fr. Bob Gerlich for Bridal Party

Fred Roush accepts the Second Place HOTY Award on behalf of Bob Carran, Largo FL, for his Gator Magic

Eddie Griffith accepts on behalf of Nola and Carlos Reynolds, Lake Harbor FL the HOTY Third Place Award for their bloom Misbehavin'

HOTY Honorable Mention went to Nola and Carlos Reynolds for Top Gun

AHS President Eddie Griffith presented a Special Award to Bobby and Bootsie Dupont for their continuing support of the American Hibiscus Society and its Chapters

After the Awards were made, the auction and plant raffle began

Auction proceeds go toward paying for color in The Seed Pod

The auction raised over $1200

At the Sunday morning session, Treasurer Walter Bisselle presented his award to Katie McClain for her work in mailing The Seed Pod

Val Longson presented her Executive Secretary's Award to Damon Veach, Red Stick Chapter President, for his untiring work on the Convention

A visit to the International Hibiscus Garden at Burden Research Center.  Clockwise:  Carol Mayne, Nancy Kopp, Wanda Schmoyer, Bonnie & Tony Orpi, Joyce Comingore