WELL! First of all — the Supreme Convention is over and it was fantastic!
Thanks go out in no small part to the teams that were assembled to make it go so smoothly. Any glitches that came along were transparent to anyone but us.
Special thanks go out to Phyllis Whitford, Helen Smith, Tina Sleyzak, Lisa Gisewski and Lucie Urrutia for all their hard work, not only in the preparation before the convention, but also during the frenzy of the hospitality suite two-hour timeslot — we served over 500 Cuban sandwiches, nearly 300 strawberry shortcake shots, 300 banana bread muffins and at least 300 Johnny cakes. Follow this up with 7 gallons of orange juice, 2+ gallons of vodka and 3 bottles of champagne used to make screwdrivers and mimosas to wet their whistles. Let me tell you, Florida’s hospitality suite, decorated with decor from the Columbiettes Supreme convention, donations from the ladies on the Board, and seven 5-foot mylar helium balloon flamingoes, was the talk of the convention!
Let me not forget the Columbiettes Auxiliaries. I can’t name them all, but specifically, I’d like to mention the ladies that I came across, or heard were aiding our Knights — Terri Carter, Auxiliary #14084 President, Jennifer Hickey, Sentinel, also of #14084, as well as Tracy Ferguson. Top of the list was Tammy Higgins, not sure of her actual title, but Tammy travels the country aiding new auxiliaries. Many Supreme officers and delegates from other states personally congratulated not just Rick and me, but anyone wearing the convention Hawaiian shirt of black and flamingoes! And the shirts were such a hit that those folks that didn’t buy them in advance wanted to order them. So we’re considering placing another order if the numbers justify.
Kristin Gallant, out of the kindness of her heart, had Rick’s State pin digitized and made into an embroidery design for all the elected Board members. Absolutely outstanding job!
All in all, you all made the Florida State Council of the Knights of Columbus as hosts of the Supreme Convention proud! To see the amazing events, please click this link: https://kofcfoto.website/index.html
Recap:
July’s Organizational Meeting
I want to thank all the ladies who made our first event at the Organizational/Installation weekend such a success. Can you believe that between the Basket Raffle and the 50/50 we raised over $1,000 for Vocations!
It was pretty funny watching the guys look into the room but not dare to step foot inside. They’d been warned, they’d be charged a fee if they did!
The following day was our Ladies Luncheon, which carried our theme for the weekend of Red, White, & Blue, and you all certainly didn’t disappoint with your patriotic attire! Since we were honoring the upcoming 4th of July, our menu was a more traditional grilled hamburgers, potato salad, coleslaw and apple pie in keeping with our theme of Happy Birthday America!
Upcoming Mid-Year Meeting for DD’s and Above
Some of you may have already heard — the theme for this year is “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.” A return to that time when all was cozy and bright and you were waiting for Santa. So, get out those pajamas to come to our Ladies Luncheon! Fuzzy slippers and all! Remember, you will be walking through the hotel, so please be respectful (no negligees, I don’t care what hubby says!) This is to dress similar to what you would have done as kids. If you’re wearing your Dr. Denton’s, make sure that back panel is buttoned! And, as always, during the weekend business casual attire -- no cut-offs, no jeans, you know the drill.
I don’t know if we can break the record of last year’s baskets of over 50, but let’s give it a try! Again, the theme is Christmas, so bring anything Christmas related, this is not restricted to angels. We will also be doing our usual Christmas cookie/goodie exchange, so break out those award winning recipes, the exchange to start Friday afternoon/evening. As always, please note any allergens your recipes may contain. And, if you’d like to share, please print out copies of your recipe for ladies to pick up, or perhaps have it available on your phone to share.
The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Tampa/Brandon, 10221 Princess Palm Ave, Tampa, December 8-9. Itineraries will be sent to DD’s and above.
