Since this blog appears on Mothers Day, let me take a moment to thank the moms, especially mine – and the lovely gal who I helped make one and wish all an enjoyable day!

Five weeks ago today, I blogged about The Spirit of Theresa so please (re-)read for more about the great work of the Foundation and its founders, Susan and Vincent Russo (I also imagine if you did not comment then, you still might consider sharing yours.).

As I shared with a few friends Friday I spoke late that afternoon to my friend and president of a client union Mark Henry; it concerned union business but he raised the Theresa Awards Dinner occurring Friday eve and asked if I prepared my speech; I replied not yet but if it would have been done already if I was drafting one for him; we shared a laugh and I followed up on the matter we discussed (which included reaching out to a fellow Gotham City Networking, Inc.® member); I learned later that evening that Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 1056 took a page in the journal. And ATU was one of many. Thank you all.

Indeed, Vincent Russo called me Thursday tell me the dinner broke its prior attendance record and to arrive early for the pics with the honorees (and also keep my remarks to two minutes – I did.)

I take pride in “prepping” clients for events, remarks, interviews, often drafting talking points or speeches. At the time I told Shelly we'd depart, I was at the MacBook (as I am now) drafting a few words that I share:

“Thank you Susan and Vincent and everyone at the Theresa Foundation for this award. I'll cherish it.

“Congratulation to the very worthy honorees Bob McGuire and Betsy Miller Angevine.

“I want to thank everyone who supported Theresa with sponsorships, ads, raffles, donations and attendance here.

“Everyone from Gotham, please stand. Special thanks to Fred (Klein), Nancy (Schess), Debbie (Lindner), Lisa (Waterman) and all from Gotham (City Networking, Inc.®) for their great support tonight.

“Thank you to Professor Joshua Bienstock, City Council Member Daneek Miller, (my son) Jonathan and (my daughter) Marisa for their recorded comments.

“Thanks to my friends including Congressman Gregory and Simone Meeks for joining us.

“And of course, my beloved Shelly for her love and support because she is my partner in all things good and productive I do.”

In a touching moment, as I ad-libbed for Shelly to stand as I recognized her, she did and blew me a kiss. Sweet. I need no other “award.” (Shelly posted some pics to Facebook; some Marisa also shared with a neat comment.)

Susan and Vincent -- a very special couple -- give a nice party. Things ran smooth. There were so many nice moments.  If you were not there, you really ought to consider attending in 2017 (and thereafter).