by John Aldrich
We all hope that everyone in the ANE family as well as the world in general is having a wonderful day full of gratitude and thanks for the many blessings we enjoy.
ANE volunteers had their own special Thanksgiving event last Sunday at the annual dinner to honor those whose dedicated service make the work of our organization possible. Here are a few highlights of the evening:
The warehouse was miraculously transformed for the event. Approximately 100 people attended and brought special dishes to add to the turkeys and ham provided.
Robin Field-Williams brought her famous strudel dessert.
After everyone had settled in with full plates of food, Linda conducted a brief program which started by honoring Virginia Aldrich who had organized the event.
Alice Sikorsky was honored for her work organizing the Christmas stocking program which will deliver over 1200 stockings to school children on the reservation.
Our new Shi Yazhi princess, Tiffany Singer, attended with her proud parents.
CJ Robb provided details of the rug show financial results which were very impressive this year.
Gina Zimmerer spoke about the Christmas Ornament Program which sold all but 13 of the ornaments at the rug show. She told us that these remaining ornaments were available for purchase that evening.
At this point Shawn Acerson challenged everyone to make a donation and a basket was passed around the room resulting in $1000 which could be split among the 13 unsold ornaments.
Shirlee Silversmith's little granddaughter made a generous $10 donation.
Shawn and Gina totaled up the final total of donations.
After this outpouring of generosity, Linda thanked everyone and offered a chance at the mic to anyone who wished to add their own remarks.
This offer was led by Shirlee Silversmith.
Followed by Andrea Berman who offered a few of her hand-made earrings for sale to benefit the Elders.
Rose Jakub offered a few words and sang a song.
Rosie Begay expressed her gratitude for the Program, and also spoke of how much ANE means to her mother-in-law, Madeline Begay. Madeline is an Elder in the Program at the Dilkon food run.
Harry James spoke and sang.
The evening ended with the surprise appearance of James Bilagody a very entertaining Navajo comedian.
Many thanks to all our volunteers, and a Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Seems like such a fun time and coming together of everyone to celebrate is lovely. Looks like Virginia did a lot of work organising. Also to still be assisting the elders is wonderful and to have all the ornaments sold.
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