My Favorite Moments

At the Thursday Leadership Lunch, every award recipient thanked those people who supported them throughout their careers and in turn, all received standing ovations. This luncheon was by far one of the most emotional I’ve ever attended; I wasn’t the only one who shed tears. I am thankful I was able to be a part of it.

The exceptionally talented chef, Keith Lord, told me that if I brought the champagne, he would bring the caviar. On Wednesday afternoon shortly after his hands-on plating class, a few of us were in the Convention Center kitchen—our headquarters for Culinary Experience stage prep. Chef Lord popped open a tin and dabbed a mound onto the area between my thumb and forefinger. We bumped fists and then savored the caviar. Sadly, no time for champagne; it was back to work for me!

Walking into the SEARCH Foundation event on Wednesday evening, treasurer Frank Puleo said, “I’m so glad you made it! It’s an honor to have you here.” Me? Those words felt good.

Hanging at the Loews bar with my friend, Roy Porter, we watched our Italian bartender mix our cocktails as we discussed the flavor profile of Campari. Our mixologist was so delightful, we returned another night with hopes we could be within his talented radius once more.

Mary Crafts and Joann Roth-Oseary (among others) thanking me profusely for pulling our conference and tradeshow together. They conveyed such gratitude. I was quick to note, “it takes a village.” Truly, my colleagues are miracle workers.