It is very early Sunday morning. I have just returned to my room at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh, North Carolina and want to say:
This was one of the best nights ever!!!
The National Inclusion Project held their Champions Gala on Saturday and I can’t find the words to describe what a wonderful night it was for all in attendance.
This will be a quick round-up as I am very tired, but I promise more after some sleep. So…just a few tidbits!
* The room was beautiful and packed!
* The food was outstanding and beautifully arranged.
* The young camp kids who performed during the dinner were so much fun to watch. Each one seemed to have a a big smile and help each other as they performed!
* The entire staff and volunteers of the National Inclusion are amazing people. From what I saw, everything was on schedule and organized perfectly.
* It was fun to see three instrumentalists on stage to support the evening and help in the entertainment.
* Everyone of the honorees spoke from the heart and helped us to remember why we were there.
* Rick Guidotti was the keynote speaker for the Gala. What a dynamic speaker. I was lucky enough to sit at the same table with him for dinner and he was just as personable and fun during dinner as he was on stage.
* The Latkovski Family – what can I say? They are a beautiful family that is full of love! I bet we will see a lot of the two lovely dancers in the future.
* Richie Parker – I was so impressed with this young man. He is someone who lives a full and exciting life and has worked to find a way to do whatever he wants to do!!
* Lowe’s Home Improvement is now my store for purchasing things for my home. They have found a way to help individuals, their community and their store. And their representatives at the Gala were amazing people.
* Clay started the program by singing Bring Back My Love. What a treat to hear his beautiful voice. He used his singing voice to add to the beautiful video of the Project. He sang Because You Love Me in between the narration of the video. The program ended with Clay singing a beautiful song titled, If It Wasn’t For Your Love. It was the perfect song for the vocal thank you from Clay. I knew the song and have the recording by Heather Headley on my iTunes account. Be sure and listen to it and listen carefully to the beautiful words!
* I forgot to tell you that in the Dutch Auction, the total for the National Inclusion Project was $50,000. Just think how many kids can now experience a summer camp!
I am sure I have forgotten lots, but it is late. If I forgot something I will share it the next time.
There were no cameras allowed during the program so there are only a few available through Clay and the Project.
A “room” selfie!!!
The Dutch Auction
A big thank you to each and every one of you. What a pleasure it has been in the last few days to meet and chat with so many of you as we meet for the first time or meet again!! You are the very best!! AND
….Start saving money for your trip to the Gala next year!