When we first came to the Majestic Ballroom, we ran into Pat Harper
(right, pictured with Cindy Burke), past PADA PR CO-Chair. It was great
to see someone we knew, although after attending 7 am Award Breakfasts,
Affiliate Workshops, Future Directions Roundtable, not to mention
attending sessions at Americas Center, we waved to quite a few new
friends at the reception.
The reception was so crowded, we did not partake of the Reception Menu Sponsored by the Almond Board of California:
Roasted Figs with Almonds and Cream Cheese,
Brie, Almond and Fresh Orange Canapé,
Almond, Golden Raisin and Chicken Empanada.
What did everyone wear? Some were casual, but, generally, it was
VA-VA-VOOM. To the 2002 Gala, I wore something one would wear doing data
entry. I vowed to wear a gown to the next opportunity. So, this year, I
looked no further than the Special Dresses department of Lord & Taylor
in the old Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia. It was worth
it; I'm attending two more Galas. Cindy (right) looked great with
sparkles in her long dress. Note to the reader: you do not have to be a
redhead to run for President-elect of the Board of Director
As we took our seats, The Bottoms Up Blues Gang featuring Kari Liston struck up. According to the program, the Gang is popular in St. Louis and no stranger to awards. They are the founders of The Baby Blues Showcase featuring local and national acts under the age of thirty who perform original music.
Lenny Klinger's Galaxy provided party, jazz and blues music for each phase. These musicians were good. The leader graduated from the Manhattan School of Music and the group has opened for acts such as The Neville Brothers and Michael McDonald and backed up everyone from the Temptations to Vic Damone.
During the awards presentations and tributes, music was not played. What was really cool was that these hip cats seemed interested and touched by the acceptance speeches of the award winners and The ADA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund to which the ADA Board of Directors donated $100,000.
At the start of the Gala, the music stilled and a military squad composed of eight rifle-wielding soldiers marched through the room to stand in formation on stage announcing the start of the procession of award winners. I didn’t dare take a photo; I was afraid the flash would cause the soldiers to drop their rifles.
Next, the Awards Procession began.
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