| 25th Silver Anniversary Gala
Celebrating Nace in San Diego since 1981, and raising funds for the Friends of Scott and NACE Foundation
by Chris Agrippe, CPCE
On Tuesday, October 10, 2006 our members and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal at the UCSD International House on the campus of the Eleanor Roosevelt College, as we celebrated 25 Years of NACE in San Diego. The evening was well planned through the efforts of your Board of Directors and allowed time for a silent auction on the patio with cocktails prior to our seating for dinner.Dinner was held in the Great Hall with its stunning cantilevered wooden-beamed ceilings opening to a panoramic view of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, all of which offered a compelling connection between nature and the sailing ships of old.
Bernie Kaye of Entertainment Solutions West, one of our chapter’s founding fathers was chosen  to open the evening. As he spoke, his commitment to our chapter and passion for the industry echoed throughout the silent room. Bernie served as a board member for 13 years and he recounted how another founder Frank Lovasz, sparked the first mission to fund scholarships for students of Mesa College Culinary School back in 1983. Bernie went on to share that his business has grown exponentially over the years as acquaintances made at NACE became friends….“And we do business best with friends”.
After 25 Years of membership and a whole lot of dinner meetings in between, Bernie has figured out what it takes to make a NACE Membership succeed. He shared the following bits of wisdom: “No matter what part of the hospitality industry you’re in you can always learn from other people at NACE; remembering that we’re all part of the industry-wide team that gives super service to our clients; gives them the desire to return to our venues and utilize our companies. Without this teamwork and camaraderie we simply become just another vendor. We’d loose the passion and eventually wouldn’t have a job. We all have to pull together for the same goal, which is client satisfaction”.
Looking out into the room, Bernie repeated Duffy’s statistics that 80% of our membership has been with us for only a few years, and closed his remarks with “Don’t ever think that you can’t make a difference. Get active… be involved… volunteer for the board. As with everything in life, you’ll only get out of it what you put into it!”
Chef Bruce Millsom and Julia Engstrom of UCSD Catering created a delicious dinner that  evening starting with Crisp Crab and Cheese Won Tons, Honey Roasted Garlic, Goat Cheese Dips and Spreads, and Butternut Squash Soup Shooters. Dinner was a masterpiece equal to its setting. The salad was a vertical column of Mango, Avocado, and Crab with Lemon Vinaigrette Aspic nested upon fresh leaves of Arugula and Baby Spinach. The Entree was a richly seasoned and grilled Tenderloin of Beef topped with Pomegranate Zinfandel Reduction finished with Crisp Onion Strings, Autumn Vegetables, and Grilled Asparagus with cracked Pepper and Pecorino Cheese. Afterwards we were treated to a sweet dessert table sponsored by Stingaree along with freshly brewed Espresso and Lattes by EuroBar. A generous selection of wines served throughout the evening were compliments of Young’s Market Company, Pacific Wine and Spirits, and Southern.
Our industry is a dynamic ever-changing world made up of people who work together to create moments that will last a lifetime, and our chapter mirrors that image. Throughout the years the food and presentations may change, but the theme remains the same: San Diego NACE exists for and because of our members, and the only way we can prosper and grow is through membership support and involvement. Twenty Five Years is a long time in the world of Catering, but a short time in the world of Associations. So with our sights set on the future, here’s to another twenty five… Let’s really give them something to celebrate when SD NACE turns Fifty!
We want to thank everyone who has helped
our chapter grow over the past 25 Years.
Thank You for Your Loyalty, Support and Generosity,
Passion, Inspiration, and Hard Work!
To put it simply and honestly,
"We couldn't have done it without you!"
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
UCSD Catering
Great Hall at the International House UCSD
Artistic Designs ~ Calligraphy
A Touch of Class ~ Keyboard Player
Bridal Network ~ Florals & Chair Covers
Classic Party Rentals
David de Alva ~ Guitarists & Dancers-619-224-4685
Entertainment at Large ~ Special Effect Lighting
Jim Anderson ~ Guitarists
EuroBar Espresso, Vintage Wines
Glaceau ~ Smart Water & PowerTini Drinks
HepCat ~ Service Staff Assistance
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn
Inviting Ideas ~ Invitations
LiteFx ~ Lite Cubes
San Diego Ballet
Special Event Productions ~ Table Linen & Hurricanes
Stingaree ~ Desserts
Stone Brewing Co., The French Gourmet
Voice By Duffy - Audio
Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza
Special Thanks to the
San Diego NACE Executive Board 2006
For all of their efforts in planning this evening.
San Diego Chapter Member Recognition Awards
This year, we decided to honor some of our own. We hope to make this an annual event. Here’s a description of the awards and the amazing recipients for 2006.
 The “June Bowerman Spirit of NACE” award recognizes a NACE member whose commitment and compassion towards humanitarianism makes a profound and recognizable impact.
The award is named in memory of San Diego Chapter NACE member June Bowerman who passed away in 2004 and to the end was a supporter of NACE and “was one heck of a gal”.
This year the award goes to another person who is “one heck of a gal” and has always been there for us.This year we are honoring Carolyn Marie of Charisma Photography for her commitment to our chapter and dedication to NACE.
She has been the photographer for many of our dinner meetings over the years and during our 2004 Educational Conference shot all of the pictures during the five days of events.
As with any good photographer, Carolyn tends to blend into the background, but tonight we want her up on stage!
 The NACE “Caterer of the Year” award recognizes the outstanding planning and hosting of our Chapter’s events.
In the past few years Judy Anderson has been a staunch supporter of our chapter hosting multiple events and providing meeting space including the 12 consecutive Monday night CPCE study groups, our NACE Dinner meeting, the day-long CPCE Exams and our January board member retreat, complete with dinner at Ruth Chris Steak House. Not only does she say “yes” when we ask, she feeds us pretty darned well too!
 The “Affiliate Member of the Year” recognizes Affiliate or Corporate members whose local and national association participation, contributions, and involvement have made a significant impact on the San Diego chapter of NACE.
Erin O’Donnell and BBJ Linens have donated fabrics, décor and linens for events over the years on a significant and consistent level… from cutting-edge style to elegant and sophisticated, BBJ linens always make us look good and we are grateful for Erin’s help!
 In college Arlan Arnsten would definitely have been voted most popular man on campus. Arlan has shown up to our events not with just a six pack of beer, but has delivered literally truckloads of award-winning hand-crafted brews and ales over the years, providing us with the finest in beverages while showcasing his company, Stone Brewing.
He’s also been a Speaker at our monthly meetings most recently presenting the ever-famous Oktoberfest dinner. Arlan’s company has supported NACE on a national level and has ensured that the phrase “Arrogant Bastard” has become a household word that many of us continue to use to this very day. We are pleased to present the “NACE Congeniality Award” to Mr. Congeniality himself, Arlan Arnsten.
 The “NACE Angel Award” recognizes another sponsor who has contributed huge donations to NACE on a local as well as national level. Over the years Cathy Carpenter has always been there for us, never said no, and indeed has worked side by side with fellow caterers in developing and field testing new recipes and hors d'oeuvres concepts that are industry-changing, appeal to all of the senses and quite honestly make the Caterer’s job a whole lot easier.
Through Cathy’s participation, contributions, and involvement, her company, Menu Inspirations and Appetizers and Inc. has made a significant impact on NACE and indeed our industry and we are all the richer for having her right here in San Diego.
Congratulations to our award winners! Award text by Chris Agrippe |
A special thanks to master photographer, Bob Kahn, who provided us with terrific coverage of our Gala Awards Dinner Celebration. 
On a personal note, he lost a lot of weight last year and works out every day. Recently he participated in the “Boot Camp Challenge” at the Marine Induction Center in Old Town and definitely excelled against a younger, out of shape group.
October 2006: Friends of Scott
