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2006 Guide Dogs of America "Partner's" Award Dinner Extravaganza! August 12, 2006 |
Over 380 guests and 40 very well behaved dogs in-training joined us for our 1st Annual Partner's Awards Dinner held at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Air Force One Museum on Saturday, August 12. It was a huge success!     Debbie Sands, Dinner Chair, stated that this local dinner was long overdue, and the first year's attendance reflected the excitement of our guests who were able to socialize with our puppy raisers, staff and graduate guide dog users. This year's recipients of the "Partner's Award" were Bob & Pam English and Charlie & Sylvia Hall. Both couples were honored for outstanding service for their years as puppy raisers (having raised 37 puppies between them) and spending many hours volunteering for various events benefiting GDA.    Other highlights of the evening were the silent and live auctions and tours through Air Force One capped off by two great speakers - John Barletta (retired U.S. Secret Service Agent for President Reagan and GDA puppy raiser) & Lorri Bernson (GDA employee and guide dog graduate.) 
 
      To make our first ever local fundraising dinner such a huge success, we want to thank our sponsors: Michael & Suzanne Tennenbaum (Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC), Macki Singer, Randy Brooks (John Milton Manor), Edwin & Martha Elliott, Steve & Jackie Gettleman and The Connors Family (Sepulveda Building Materials). Also, thank you to the committee who made this event so memorable - Mark & Tammy New, Judy Reilly (and her artistic silent auction committee - Sha Newman, Ann Benya, Sylvia Michalski & Cindy Valancius), and our fabulous photographer, Joe Scavo. Proceeds of the dinner netted $74,000.00 …..all to benefit the program at GDA! Many thanks to all of you who attended! You made the dinner a stellar event. Plans are underway for next year's dinner. Stay tuned for more information. |