President’s Message November 2021

Where to begin—so many thank-yous to go around!

October was a busy month for TFOG! The first thank-you goes to Sara Galiger and her committee for orchestrating a lovely Golden Baton Award dinner for Marcy and Bob Shuck. The evening was delightful with entertainment by TFO’s TJ Graf, Principal Tuba (yes, tuba! with a musical genre ranging from classical to rock and roll). Even more successful was the amount of donations raised—at this writing, approximately $16,000. Thank you all for attending and contributing!

And, another thank-you to Ginny McConnell for gathering volunteers on October 16 for a successful Bucket Brigade at Pops in Park at the Vinoy Park concert, raising $9,123 for the orchestra. Thanks to all who helped!
Our fundraising is not done. Fall continues to be high season for TFOG. Our major fundraiser is right around the corner. With the absence of our traditional Holiday Tour of Homes, the Guild will hold a cocktail reception at the home of Marianne and Mark Mahaffey on Friday, December 3. This is our MAJOR fundraiser. Please consider supporting this event. All donations are appreciated regardless of the amount. We need your continued support.

TFOG’s first luncheon/meeting at The Hangar on October 18 was well-attended (37). Everyone enjoyed hearing from Paul Wilborn, Executive Director of The Palladium, about the history of The Palladium, sharing stories of his personal life, and reading an excerpt from his latest book “Cigar City: Tales from a 1980s Creative Ghetto”. Our next meeting will be held at The Palladium on Monday, November 15—Board Meeting at 11 a.m., Social at 11:30 a.m. and General Meeting at 12 noon.

Looking ahead at our January 15 luncheon meeting at The Hangar: If you typically pay by check, this will be an opportunity to pay for your lunch ($21) in advance at our November meeting since there is no meeting in December.

You are invited to our annual Kringle Mingle celebration on Monday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bayfront Tower’s Social Room. Missy Sparks and Susan Sullivan, Chairs, are our hostesses. Please bring a sweet or a savory dish to share, or you may make a monetary donation. Missy and Susan will have a sign-up sheet at our November meeting. Please bring friends whom you think would like to join the Guild—the more, the merrier!

As October made an exit, we still feel the heat of summer that seems unwilling to let go. We all want to race into Autumn in high gear to finally enjoy cooler weather and the simple joy of fall. It’s also hard to believe that Thanksgiving time is here. As we individually, and collectively, transition into the Thanksgiving season, we give thanks for our blessings and connect with those dear to us. The Holiday Season is also a time for unity and peace and for sharing.

Wishing you the best this Holiday Season!

– Susanna Bellafante