By 5:00pm the reception was in full swing setting the tone of the evening. I arrived at the Handlery Hotel prepared for an evening of awards, good food, great company and vivacious dancing 'til midnight. The buffet started at 6:00pm with beef, chicken and fish entrees with fresh spring vegetable ending with fabulous cheesecake of various flavors.
The award ceremony, hosted by Walter Allen with heart-felt emotions of Union solidarity and sprinkled with a few jokes, made the ceremony look effortless. The room was packed with honorees and family members witnessing the excitement of all honorees receiving their awards....including myself with a flawless acceptance speech backed with terrific fashion sense. The most widely accepted award of the evening was given to several work teams throughout the Arizona, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions. Catherine Young received the Gwen Newton Award and Annette Baxter received the Michael Goodwin Award.
Afterwords, a moment was set aside to mention special acknowledgements for those whom support our Union; Jeff Wohlner (our Union attorney), and Labor Activist, Jerry Butkiewicz, and other award presenters of the evening. By 9:00pm all attendees were on the dance floor. Myself and Carmen Corral, Outstanding Service Award recipient, graciously called it an evening at 11:00pm. I would say this event was another glowing success thanks to the hard work of Executive Board Member, Sue Smith.
Next year I hope to see everyone there...until then let me leave you with a quote I live by - "Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt and Dance like no one is watching!"
