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Hope Lodge Hosts PRIMER\'s Best Meeting Ever
11/05/2009
Dear PRIMER members:
Last Thursday night we had the best PRIMER meeting ever at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in New York City. The meeting was facilitated by PRIMER member Mary Medina, and hosted by the American Cancer Society. Thank you Mary for your dedication and hard work in making this meeting possible.
The meeting was the best ever for one simple reason. Our dear PRIMER member, Robert (Bob) Medina, P.E., made a $10,000 pledge to the Society and made it a "challenge grant," challenging PRIMER members to match that contribution, and we are now near $7,000 (total contribution of $17,000 thus far). After listening to the moving speech by Hector Perez, a cancer victim and a patient/resident at the Hope Lodge, we were all reminded of how precious and short life is. Everything that we do in life is fleeting, and we therefore must make life meaningful; and we make it meaningful by thinking of others and serving others. PRIMER was at its best on Thursday. We put our needs and wants in second place and rose to the occasion.
We were honored by not only by the presence of Hector Ramos and his wife Rosa Ramos but also by Donald Distasio, Chief Executive Officer of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division; and the wonderful Karen Radwin, Senior Managing Executive of the Hope Lodge, as well as many of the dedicated professionals on her staff. As you know, the Hope Lodge provides housing and support to many cancer patients who need and receive treatment at NY area hospitals. Karen gave us a tour of the Hope Lodge and explained the important misson of this great facility.
The food was catered by Latino entrepreneur Daniel García, President & CEO of Salsa Caterers. I told him his carne mechada was as good as my late mom's. And I don't compliment food that easily... (Sorry mami in heaven; ok mom, it was almost as good as yours...)
We also heard from the nominees for the PRIMER Board of Directors who are on the ballot for our upcoming PRIMER election. They were all very passionate and committed to serving PRIMER. I am very proud of them and know that PRIMER will be in good hands no matter who wins. (We teased Steve and Ruben about their lack of opposition, and whether we should add a box to the ballot that says "Not Steve" "Not Ruben".) LOL
Make sure that you pay your dues and are in good standing so you can vote!
We also inducted as members:
- José L. Garcia, Senior Diversity and Inclusion executive at Bank of America, supporting the Global Diversity & Inclusion Council and the company’s associate affinity groups. He also manages Bank of America's diversity and inclusion strategic alliances and sponsorships. José will be hosting our next PRIMER meeting on January 14, 2010 in New York City.
- Shawne Duperon, a media entrepreneur who has won five EMMY's and the award of Innovator of the year by the National Association of Women Business Owners; and
- Mariano Claudio, President and CEO of the Claudio Group. Mariano is a real estate and media entrepreneur and a respected philanthropist. The Claudio Group is one of PRIMER's sponsors.
Finally, I gave my farewell speech, which Izzy was kind enough to send to you earlier. As I said that evening, I am honored and proud to have served as your president.
In the next few days, I want you to rise to Bob's challenge and help us reach that $10,000 goal. Attached is the American Cancer Society's contribution form so that all who already pledged (and those who will be pledging now) can formalize and send their respective contributions to the Society.
This is an example of what the future holds for us -- an organization that cares and takes action. I trust that you will continue causing PRIMER to shine as the bright star that it is for many years to come.
Warmest regards,
Dan Guadalupe, President
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