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View Full Version : The Future of “Wonka World”



Mr. Wonka
09-13-2007, 08:56 PM
Elaine and I have been discussing this for several months, and I would like to share our thoughts and plans with you regarding the future of our facility.

Several people (including “industry leaders”) have given labels to our facility as “The Pilchuck of flame working”, and “The largest lampworking facility in the world”. With the exception of large factories, there are no other places that offer anywhere near the amount of work stations and amenities that we provide for public use. Comments like that reinforce the fact that we are creating something very special and unique not only in our local area, but to the glass working community as a whole.

Because of the size of this facility, and the history we have been (and will continue) to create, it has forced us to think about the future and what will happen here after we’re gone. It would be a shame to see places like The Lewis C. Wilson Building, Bill Rasmussen Lounge, Robert Mickelsen Bar and Grill, and future dedications fade into oblivion just because we’re not around anymore. The last thing we want is for some local person to buy the place and turn it into a woodworking or auto repair place (as a for instance).

With that in mind, we are going to meet with our attorney and change our last will(s) and testament(s) to make sure that “The Glass Blowing Center” stays in the glass community in the event of an untimely death. How will this work? We don’t know at this point, but we will be looking into it shortly. Maybe it will involve a board of directors to keep our visions alive, or we might give the proverbial “chocolate factory” to a trusted friend… we’ll have to figure that stuff out in the near future.

Either way, this place will be around for many years to come : )

Tom and Elaine Doner

jjglass
09-13-2007, 10:23 PM
Wow Tom, that is an awesome and generous thing to do. I'm dumbstruck.

cheng076
09-13-2007, 10:47 PM
Truely an man (and woman) of generous spirit.

As they say in the near east; "may your sheep be many and your lands be fertile".

I for one look forward to next year with great anticipation!

PJH

Greymatter Glass
09-14-2007, 08:09 AM
dude....


You are teh owNag3R!

menty666
09-14-2007, 10:35 AM
Man I'm sitting here watching a video about Walmart thinking humanity as a whole is doomed and then I read your post. Thanks for being a bright spot!

lucidvisions
09-14-2007, 11:32 AM
What a great gift, Tom, thank you. We've heard nothing but great times at AGI, we'll be attending next year for sure.

Josh

MileHiMama
09-14-2007, 02:12 PM
P.S. For a good view of what AGI is... I just finished an article, and along with pics from Ro and myself, have done a good job with a week from "the Chocolate Factory" It will be in the next Glass Line Magazine....so, if you were there, make sure you get the next copy. You migh be in it. Deb

UmaJulz
09-15-2007, 11:47 AM
the Chocolate Factory?

TorchedGlass
09-15-2007, 11:59 AM
Wow Tom that is a really great vision you have. After going to Wonka World I can see why you would want to be able to keep a place like that around for the good of the glassworking community. Thanks for everything you two do.

steven p selchow
09-15-2007, 09:20 PM
Thats truly great of you and Elaine Tom. I remember a year ago you maybe thinking of ending AGI, the thread is buried but still findable, but I proclaimed, "AGI will never die".

To think Tom does this national event for publicity is obscure. Tom does this for us, and the love. Gypsea said it right, if you build it, they will come.

I remember Tom just getting exhausted over running this, and trying to recouperate from a week of just making this event run smoothy, for the benifit of us. Barry is his right hand man, and deserves much credit, as it was he who opened up the buildings every morning for us to work. Tom is a great friend, and to just know that AGI will be the main event and continue to enlighten the masses with caring and sharing at a level of risk taking is an awesome tribute to them and I and anyone else who ever attended AGI know its for the community of us tight knit and close friends that makes us the music makers.

Much respect Tom and Elaine.

steve

Islandglass Man
09-16-2007, 04:43 AM
When Tom and Elaine broke this news to me at AGI this year I was not to surprised. The vision that these two wonderful people have built for the lampworking community should be nurtured and supported. AGI is the ONLY program in this country where new and older lampworkers can come together and learn new skills and share old ones freely for a week.

For many years I have taken classes and visited shows, symposiums, gathering, and flame offs but no other event comes close to the sharing of knowledge that goes on at AGI. I have waited a long time for this kind of event and I am so glad that Tom and Elaine made it come true.

Hey Steve you know I like to work in the morning I have to open the doors to get to my torch. AGI is the spark that keeps me going for another year.

Big hugs Tom & Elaine

Bear

steven p selchow
09-17-2007, 12:31 AM
I know that bear, but not everyones up that early, and don't have a clue thats its you that makes it run as it does. So just keep it on the road my friend.

steve

yinzer
09-17-2007, 07:06 AM
you guys rock. its good to know that you are thinking about the future of your business and how it will benefit the glass community, rather than just thinking of how it will benefit you. not that i expected any less from the 2 of you.

Ro's Glass World
09-17-2007, 08:33 AM
wow, changing the world, one person at a time.
thanks
ro

Mr. Wonka
09-19-2007, 05:50 PM
Thank you all for the responses… Elaine and I are very touched by your sincere thoughts and replies. Generally, when you die, your assets go to your family. We spoke with our families about this situation and they are very supportive of the plans we will be implementing for the future.

Tom and Elaine Doner

newmexicomagma
09-25-2007, 10:34 AM
u could adopt a kid from a third world country and teach him everything you know. they are fast learners and very dedicated. and im sure they would really appreciate it. anyways just my 2 cents. if that doesnt work out im sure youll find the right people for the board of directors. thanks for starting such a great thing.

rkhpa
10-04-2007, 01:44 PM
Hey Tom,
What wonderful ideas. You guys are amazing. Have you thought about getting together a volunteer board and incorporating AGI as a non-profit corporation? Then The Glass Center could "rent" AGI space every year. People and sponsors would also be able to make tax deductable donations for scholarships, equipment, etc.
Just let me know when you're ready to start collecting cash for next year and it's on the way.

Ray